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

Nintendo has denied allegations that it utilized AI-generated images for billboards in Mario Kart World. Speculation arose following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that offered a closer look at the upcoming racing game a few weeks ago. Observant fans noticed several in-game advertising boards featuring unusual visuals, such as a construction site, a bridge, and an oddly tall car, sparking curiosity.

Could this be AI-generated? Image credit: Nintendo. It's worth noting that placeholder graphics are common in pre-release versions of games, but Nintendo firmly rejected claims of AI involvement, stating in a press release to Eurogamer: "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."

The rise of generative AI is a significant topic across creative industries, including video game development. Concerns over ethics, copyright, and job displacement have surfaced, prompting labor unions to push for better protections. Last year, Shigeru Miyamoto, a legendary figure at Nintendo, mentioned the company's preference for an alternative approach to AI compared to other industry leaders. For instance, EA’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, highlighted AI as central to their operations, a subject IGN explored further.

Miyamoto echoed these sentiments in a conversation with The New York Times, emphasizing Nintendo's commitment to uniqueness. He remarked, “There is a lot of talk about AI… but that is where Nintendo would rather go in a different direction.”

Similarly, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa noted in July that while generative AI can inspire creativity, it raises concerns about intellectual property. He emphasized Nintendo’s dedication to leveraging its extensive expertise to deliver distinctively valuable gaming experiences.

The eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2, which features Mario Kart World exclusively, is scheduled for release on June 5. Preorders commenced on April 24, maintaining the price point of $449.99, with strong sales reported. For more details, check out IGN’s Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-order Guide.