Nintendo has denied claims that it used AI-generated imagery in the development of Mario Kart World, following speculation sparked by a recent Nintendo Treehouse livestream. During the broadcast, observant fans noticed unusual visuals on in-game billboards—depicting a construction site, a bridge, and an oddly tall vehicle—prompting debate over whether generative AI was involved.
Does this look like AI to you? Image credit: Nintendo.
While placeholder assets are common in pre-release builds, Nintendo issued a clear statement to Eurogamer: "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World." The company emphasized that all visuals are part of ongoing development and subject to change before launch.
This unusual car design fueled online discussion. Image credit: Nintendo.
The topic of AI in game development remains a sensitive one across the industry. With growing concerns around intellectual property, ethics, and job displacement, labor groups and performers have called for tighter regulations. Nintendo, however, appears to be taking a cautious and deliberate stance.
As Shigeru Miyamoto, legendary creator at Nintendo, explained in a New York Times interview, the company often chooses a different path when industry trends emerge.
“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 said. “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.”
His comments echo earlier remarks from Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, who acknowledged in July that while generative AI offers creative potential, it also raises significant intellectual property concerns.
“We have decades of know-how in creating the best gaming experiences for our players,” Furukawa stated. “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 upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, set for release on June 5, will launch alongside Mario Kart World as a console-exclusive title. Pre-orders for the $449.99 system opened on April 24 and saw high demand, as expected. For more details, check out IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.
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