Nintendo has firmly refuted claims that it used AI-generated images to create billboards featured in the upcoming game Mario Kart World. The controversy arose following a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that offered fans an early glimpse of the game. During the stream, viewers noticed peculiar in-game advertisements, including images of a construction site, a bridge, and an unusually tall car, sparking 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, Nintendo was quick to clarify that no AI-generated images were used in the development of Mario Kart World. In a statement provided to Eurogamer, the company emphasized, "AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World."

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

The use of generative AI is a hot topic across creative industries, especially in video game development, where it raises ethical and copyright concerns. Labor unions are also worried about AI's potential to displace jobs, prompting calls for greater protections for video game performers.

Nintendo's legendary developer Shigeru Miyamoto has expressed a unique stance on AI. In an interview with The New York Times last September, he highlighted Nintendo's preference for a different approach than the rest of the industry. "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 added, "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 those made by Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa in July, who acknowledged that generative AI could be used creatively but also pointed out the associated intellectual property issues. "We have decades of know-how in creating the best gaming experiences for our players," Furukawa said. "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 scheduled to launch on June 5. Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $449.99, began on April 24 and were met with high demand. For more information, check out IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.