Nintendo has firmly denied allegations that it employed AI-generated images for billboards within the upcoming game, Mario Kart World. The controversy emerged following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that offered fans an early glimpse of the game. Observant viewers quickly noticed peculiar images on in-game advertising boards, including a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, which sparked speculation about the use of AI in their creation.

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

While it's common for pre-release games to feature placeholder graphics that are not intended for the final product, Nintendo was quick to clarify its stance. In a statement issued to Eurogamer, the company asserted, "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."

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

The debate over the use of generative AI in creative industries, particularly in video game development, continues to grow. Beyond the ethical and copyright concerns, labor unions have raised alarms about the potential for AI to displace jobs, prompting calls from video game performers for enhanced protections against its use.

Last September, Nintendo's legendary developer Shigeru Miyamoto emphasized the company's desire to chart a unique path in the industry, particularly with regards to AI. In contrast to EA CEO Andrew Wilson, who described AI as "the very core of our business" (a statement later analyzed by IGN), Miyamoto highlighted Nintendo's distinct approach. In an interview with The New York Times, he explained that Nintendo prefers to explore avenues that set it apart from its competitors.

"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 stated. He further elaborated, "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 views echo those of Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, who, in July, acknowledged the potential of generative AI in creative endeavors but also pointed out the accompanying intellectual property concerns. 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 eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2, for which Mario Kart World is a console exclusive, is slated for release on June 5. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24, maintaining a price of $449.99, and they sold out rapidly as expected. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.