Nintendo Denies AI Use in Mario Kart World Development Amid Billboard Speculation

Nintendo has firmly denied allegations that it employed AI-generated images for billboards in the eagerly awaited game, Mario Kart World. The controversy ignited following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that offered fans a glimpse of the game a few weeks ago. Observant viewers noticed peculiar images on in-game billboards, including a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, sparking speculation about the use of AI-generated content.

While it's common for pre-release games to feature placeholder graphics that are removed before the final release, Nintendo was quick to clarify that no AI-generated imagery was used in the development of Mario Kart World. In a statement to Eurogamer, the company affirmed, "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."

The debate over generative AI is at the forefront of discussions within the creative industries, particularly in video game development. Concerns range from ethical and copyright issues to the potential displacement of jobs, prompting labor unions and video game performers to demand more safeguards against the use of such technology.

Last September, Nintendo's iconic developer Shigeru Miyamoto expressed a distinct perspective on AI during an interview with The New York Times. He emphasized Nintendo's commitment to pursuing a unique path, 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." Miyamoto specifically noted the industry's focus on AI, stating, "When that happens, everyone starts to go in the same direction, but that is where Nintendo would rather go in a different direction."

These comments align with those made by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who acknowledged the potential of generative AI for creative applications but also highlighted the challenges it poses to intellectual property rights. Furukawa emphasized Nintendo's extensive experience in crafting unparalleled gaming experiences, stating, "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."

As anticipation builds for the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, for which Mario Kart World will be a console exclusive, pre-orders for the new console went live on April 24 at a price of $449.99. The response has been overwhelming, as detailed in IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to make its debut on June 5.