Nintendo Denies Using AI-Generated Images in Mario Kart World Billboards
Nintendo pushes back against rumors of AI-generated imagery in Mario Kart World, reaffirming its commitment to human-driven creativity in game design.
Nintendo is setting the record straight after fans raised eyebrows over some odd-looking billboards spotted in Mario Kart World during a recent Treehouse livestream. A few textures—like a strange construction site, a wonky bridge, and an unusually tall car—had people wondering: did Nintendo use AI-generated images in its new racer?
The internet lit up with speculation, but Nintendo quickly squashed the rumors. In a statement to Eurogamer, the company was clear: “AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World.”
It’s worth noting that weird-looking assets in pre-release versions of games aren’t exactly unusual. Developers often use placeholder graphics while polishing up a title. Still, the unusual visuals had some fans convinced they were seeing the signs of generative AI at work.
The debate hits at a bigger topic—AI’s role in the gaming world. With companies like EA fully embracing AI (CEO Andrew Wilson even called it “the very core of our business”), the gaming industry is wrestling with how to use the tech responsibly. Meanwhile, concerns from artists, voice actors, and labor unions about job displacement and IP rights are growing louder.
Nintendo, however, is charting its own course. Back in September, the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto told The New York Times that Nintendo’s approach to AI is intentionally different:
“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.”
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa echoed that sentiment last July, saying the company is open to new technology but remains cautious—especially when it comes to IP issues and maintaining its unique creative identity.
“We will work to continue delivering value that is unique to Nintendo and cannot be created by technology alone,” Furukawa said.
For now, Mario Kart World remains on track as a major launch title for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, set to release June 5. Pre-orders for the new console kicked off on April 24, priced at $449.99—and as expected, they flew off digital shelves.
So, no AI shenanigans here—just Nintendo doing what it does best: keeping things weird, wonderful, and uniquely human.
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