Despite other video game corporations embracing generative AI technology, Nintendo has taken a more cautious approach and expressed concerns about copyright issues.
During an investor Q&A session in late June (as reported by Tweaktown), President Shuntaro Furukawa mentioned that while Nintendo is open to exploring new technologies like generative AI, they currently have no plans to implement it in game development due to concerns related to intellectual property rights.
Furukawa clarified that while Nintendo does utilize AI for aspects of game development, such as NPCs, they see generative AI as potentially problematic in terms of IP issues. He emphasized Nintendo’s commitment to delivering unique value to customers through their own expertise and design philosophy.
Nintendo’s careful approach to technology and IP rights is reflective of its long-standing focus on protecting its intellectual property and delivering quality gaming experiences built on their established brands, rather than chasing the latest trends or hardware advancements.
This stance sets Nintendo apart from competitors like Electronic Arts, PlayStation, and Microsoft/Xbox, as well as companies like Nvidia that have embraced generative AI technology in their hardware.
While the intersection of video games and AI shows potential, there are ongoing challenges and uncertainties around new features like NPC generation and implications for human work in the industry, such as voice acting, which have raised concerns about job security.
