Overview

• Nintendo has officially denied claims that AI-generated assets were used in the development of Mario Kart World, following fan speculation based on recent gameplay footage.
• The rumors emerged after fans scrutinized visuals from a Nintendo Treehouse livestream, citing anomalies like upscaled billboard text and unnatural car windows as potential evidence of AI use.
• Mario Kart World, featuring a new open-world design, is set to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.
• Nintendo leadership, including Shigeru Miyamoto, has consistently emphasized the company's preference for human-crafted creativity over generative AI in game development.
• The controversy highlights a broader industry divide, as competitors like EA and Ubisoft increasingly integrate AI tools, while Nintendo maintains a cautious approach.