Summary
Nintendo is denying claims that theMario Kart Worlddevelopment team used generative AI in the creation of the upcoming racing game for the Nintendo Switch 2. There is a lot of hype surrounding the upcoming console’s release, and withMario Kart Worldbeing its bundled launch title, Nintendo officials are looking to set the record straight and defend their developers from potentially harmful claims.
After early reveals of the Switch 2 hardware showed off footage of what appeared to be an unknown new entry in the popular Nintendo racing series,Mario Kart Worldwas officially announced during a Switch 2 Direct presentation in April. Drawing on classic racers and other elements that have attracted fans since the franchise’s launch on the SNES, the initial reveal also uncovered somenew features inMario Kart World, including new characters, courses, and the Freeroam and Knockout Tour modes.
While the initial reveal trailer generated a lot of excitement, a Nintendo Treehouse livestream that followed it had some fans upset over the inclusion of what they perceived to be AI-generated imagery. This questionable imagery wasn’t applied to any ofMario Kart World’s charactersor vehicles, but rather, keen-eyed fans spotted some irregularities in some background posters alongside one track, including an image of a car with odd proportions and a colorful building featuring zigzagging ramps that would make little sense in the real world. Responding to an inquiry fromEurogamer, a Nintendo official stated in a brief response that the allegations are unfounded and that developers did not use generative AI in the creation of the upcoming racing game.
Nintendo Denies AI-Generated Imagery in Mario Kart World
While Nintendo has denied using AI to generate background imagery for the game, there are still othercontroversial features inMario Kart Worldthat have some racing game fans preemptively upset. While the series has always taken a lighthearted approach to racing that appeals more to casual fans over franchises likeForza,Mario Kart Worldwill not provide an option to switch off course hazards, though players will have control over the appearance of usable items on tracks.
Many fans are also dismayed byMario Kart World’s high price tagof $80. Over the past few years, new triple-A Nintendo Switch games have typically sold for about $10 less than similar offerings on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, but with its open-world elements and massive graphical performance upgrades over entries on the original Switch, Nintendo officials have stated they feel the price increase is justified. However, those looking to save money can pick up the console andMario Kart Worldin a bundle that will save them $30.
