Nintendo has firmly refuted allegations that it employed AI-generated images for the billboards in the eagerly awaited Mario Kart World. Speculation arose following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that provided a closer look at the game, where sharp-eyed fans noticed peculiar images on in-game advertising boards, including a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, sparking discussions about the use of AI.
Is this an AI-generated image? Image credit: Nintendo.While it's common for pre-release games to feature placeholder graphics that may not make it to the final version, Nintendo was quick to clarify that no AI-generated images were used in the development of Mario Kart World. In a statement to Eurogamer, the company asserted, "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."
This unusual car image fueled speculation. Image credit: Nintendo.The topic of generative AI has been a hot-button issue across creative industries, including video game development, with concerns ranging from ethical and copyright issues to the potential displacement of jobs. In response, labor unions and video game performers have advocated for stronger protections against the use of AI.
Last September, Nintendo's iconic developer Shigeru Miyamoto emphasized the company's unique approach to AI, stating a preference to diverge from industry trends. This stance differs notably from comments made by EA CEO Andrew Wilson, who described AI as "the very core of our business," a perspective further analyzed by IGN. Miyamoto elaborated in an interview with The New York Times, saying, "It might seem like we are just going the opposite direction for the sake of going in the opposite direction, but it really is trying to find what makes Nintendo special."
He added, “There is a lot of talk about A.I., for example. When that happens, everyone starts to go in the same direction, but that is where Nintendo would rather go in a different direction."
Miyamoto's comments echo those of Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa from July, who acknowledged the potential of generative AI in creative endeavors but highlighted the challenges related to intellectual property rights. Furukawa stated, "We have decades of know-how in creating the best gaming experiences for our players. While we are open to utilizing technological developments, we will work to continue delivering value that is unique to Nintendo and cannot be created by technology alone.”The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, which will feature Mario Kart World as a console exclusive, is set to launch on June 5. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 opened on April 24 at a fixed price of $449.99 and were met with high demand. For more details, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
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