Nintendo has commented on the controversial topic of generative artificial intelligence in video game development, outlining the pros and cons as it sees them. In a shareholder Q&A , Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa was asked about the company’s initiatives involving AI. In response, Furukawa said generative AI can be used “in creative ways,” but said its use “also raise issues with intellectual property rights.
” Artificial intelligence and its uses in games is one of the hottest topics within the video game industry, with some studios touting AI-generated NPCs or AI-driven level creation , Others have expressed concern about its potential impact on jobs, particularly in art, quality assurance, and performance. Generative AI thus far has drawn criticism from players and creators due to a mix of ethical issues, rights issues, and AI’s struggles to produce content audiences actually enjoy. For instance, Keywords Studios attempted to create an experimental game internally using entirely AI.
The game failed , with Keywords citing to investors that AI was “unable to replace talent.” As for Nintendo, which is readying the reveal and release of the Switch successor console, Furukawa said the company is “open to utilizing technological developments,” but will “work to continue delivering value that is unique to Nintendo and cannot be created by technology alone.” Here’s Furukawa’s statement in full: In the game industry, AI-like technologies have long .