Nintendo says it won’t use generative AI to make games

Nintendo says it won’t use generative AI to make games is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• Nintendo’s president spoke at the shareholders’ meeting about the risk of intellectual property infringement by generating AI.
• Large game production companies such as Nintendo do not use generative AI tools in game development due to concerns about IP infringement.

OUR TAKE
While generative AI tools have proven their creative potential, their commercial use is highly dependent on the source of the data sets used to train AI models. Nintendo’s decision reflects the importance they place on game creativity and player experience, as well as careful consideration of technical risks and intellectual property protection.
–Zora Lin, BTW reporter

What happened

Japanese video game company Nintendo has decided not to use generative AI elements in its upcoming games. While generative AI tools have proven their creative potential in the recent past, their commercial use is highly dependent on the source of the data sets used to train AI models.

At the shareholders’ meeting, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa says he is reluctant to use generative AI in game development.

When asked about Nintendo’s plans to leverage AI, Furukawa acknowledges that there is a long-standing relationship between game development and AI technology. However, the use of generative AI elements may have the risk of infringing intellectual property rights.

He further states that new-age technologies and tools, such as generative AI, cannot on their own provide the value that players seek. “We have decades of expertise to create the best gaming experience for our customers.”

Also read: I discovered Nintendo as a 20-year-old, and I adore it

Also read: Nintendo shares plunge on delayed Switch 2 launch

Why it’s important

Nintendo believes that generative AI, while having creative potential, may not deliver the gaming experience and value that players expect, demonstrating Nintendo’s commitment to game quality and player experience, prioritising the fruits of creativity and human design.

Generative AI poses a risk of intellectual property infringement, reflecting Nintendo’s focus on legal and ethical responsibility for the content of its games, as well as on protecting its intellectual property and game ideas.

As a major player in the game industry, Nintendo’s decision could impact attitudes and practices toward AI applications across the game development community, causing other game developers to reassess the risks and benefits of using generative AI tools.