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

Nintendo has firmly denied allegations that it utilized AI-generated images for billboards within the upcoming game, Mario Kart World. Speculation arose following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that offered an early glimpse into the game. Observant fans noticed peculiar in-game advertisements featuring images such as a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, sparking discussions about their origins.

Does this look like AI to you? Image credit: Nintendo.

It's common for pre-release games to feature placeholder graphics that are replaced before the final release. However, Nintendo was quick to clarify the situation, stating to Eurogamer: "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."

This odd-looking car sparked speculation. Image credit: Nintendo.

The topic of generative AI is currently a hot-button issue across creative industries, including video game development. Beyond ethical and copyright concerns, labor unions have voiced worries about AI potentially displacing jobs, and performers in the gaming sector are seeking more safeguards against its use.

Last September, Shigeru Miyamoto, a legendary figure in Nintendo's development team, shared his perspective on AI during an interview with The New York Times. Miyamoto emphasized Nintendo's preference for charting a unique course, 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. 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 align with earlier statements from Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who acknowledged the potential of generative AI in creative applications but also highlighted the challenges it poses to intellectual property rights. Furukawa added, "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 eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2, for which Mario Kart World is a console exclusive, is scheduled to launch on June 5. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24, maintaining a price of $449.99. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.