Nintendo says Mario Kart World doesn’t use any AI-generated images

Despite some fans believing in the possibility that Mario Kart World could feature AI-generated images, Nintendo has said otherwise.

The company provided a brief statement today that should – hopefully – clear up the situation. Nintendo simply said: “AI-generated images were not used in the development of Mario Kart World.”

If you’re unsure as to where this all started, discussion seemed to take place after footage was shown during Nintendo Treehouse: Live. Fans noticed in-game billboards by the sides of the racetrack with artwork similar in appearance to that made by generative AI.

The first example is for an image featuring a bridge that has wonky lines and oddly-placed elements. There’s also a work-in-progress skyscraper, with strangely-orientated floors and pathways. Both of these have drawn comparisons to AI-generated images.

With another billboard on one of the tracks, we see an oddly-shaped car with unusually large windows.

Nintendo of America president recently commented on AI, stating that the company’s games will always include a human touch. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and other franchises, has also seemed less interested in the technology.

Thanks to Eurogamer for today’s news.