Nintendo has firmly denied allegations that it utilized AI-generated images for billboards in the upcoming game Mario Kart World. Speculation arose following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that provided a detailed look at the new racing title. Observant fans noticed peculiar images on in-game advertising boards, featuring a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, which sparked rumors about the use of AI-generated content.

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

The debate over generative AI is currently a hot topic in the creative industries, including video game development. Beyond ethical and copyright concerns, labor unions are worried about AI's potential to displace jobs, and performers in the gaming industry are advocating for greater protections against its use.

Last September, Nintendo's legendary developer Shigeru Miyamoto emphasized the company's unique approach to technology, including AI. He stated that Nintendo prefers to take a "different direction" compared to the broader video game industry. This stance contrasts with remarks from EA CEO Andrew Wilson, who described AI as "the very core of our business," a perspective explored further by IGN.

In an interview with The New York Times, Miyamoto elaborated on his vision for Nintendo, 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 echo those of Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, who in July acknowledged the potential of generative AI for creative applications but also highlighted the associated intellectual property challenges. Furukawa emphasized Nintendo's commitment to leveraging technological advancements while maintaining the unique value that defines the company's gaming experiences. He 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 highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, for which Mario Kart World is a console exclusive, is set to launch on June 5. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 opened on April 24, maintaining a price of $449.99. The response was overwhelming, as detailed in IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.