Nintendo Says It Won’t Use Generative AI For First-Party Games

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Salman Fareed

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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While Embracer believes AI is absolutely necessary in the gaming industry, Nintendo begs to differ. The company has confirmed that it has no plans to use generative AI for future game development.

That means Nintendo’s first-party titles will stay AI-free for the time being. The company made this announcement during a recent Q&A with investors, during which it outlined its vision for the future of gaming on its platforms.

Why it matters: The gaming giant’s choice not to use this technology shows a dedication to maintaining the creative and handcrafted style that has defined its first-party releases for many years.

AI has become increasingly popular among studios. Nintendo, though, stands out by prioritizing the preservation of its unique game design philosophy rather than following this trend.

While talking to investors during a Q&A session, Nintendo’s President Shuntaro Furukawa said that AI is indeed quite impressive, but it won’t be the end-all-be-all.

We hope to continue to deliver value that is unique to us and can’t be achieved through technology (AI) alone.

-Shuntaro Furukawa

Nintendo is dedicated to providing unique and fun gaming experiences. While staying open to technological advancements, the company is careful not to compromise its intellectual property integrity.

Publishers are increasingly using AI to cut costs and speed up development. Companies such as EA and Microsoft are excited about AI’s ability to streamline different game development processes.

Developers and publishers are exploring using AI to improve game environments, make NPCs act more realistically, and simplify development. Moreover, Nvidia is considering introducing features like AI-generated objects and textures in DLSS 4.

The aim is to make development faster and cheaper by reducing the reliance on human labor. However, the main concern is about developers losing jobs.

With many layoffs in the industry, AI could worsen job losses. There are also major worries about how it will affect intellectual property rights, which are crucial for developers and publishers.

Regardless, it is nice to see Nintendo saying no to using generative AI. On the other hand, a recent survey reveals that about 30% of developers already use AI to create in-game assets.

Salman Fareed

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Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

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