- Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa values “decades of know-how” over generative AI
- Nintendo expresses concerns about copyright infringement and limited uniqueness with AI technology
Nintendo has decided not to utilize generative AI technology in any first-party games in the near future, opting to rely on its talented game designers instead of artificial creativity.
In a recent Q&A with investors, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa highlighted the company’s stance, as reported by Tweak Town.
Furukawa acknowledged the potential of generative AI but emphasized Nintendo’s trust in its own expertise and decades of experience. He believes that the creativity of Nintendo’s employees results in more unique games compared to what AI could generate.
Human Expertise vs Artificial Intelligence
While creativity plays a significant role in Nintendo’s decision, concerns about intellectual property rights also factor into the company’s position on generative AI, a concern shared by the broader games industry.
Nintendo, known for its strict enforcement of copyright, aims to avoid any infringements by steering clear of generative AI technology. Furukawa mentioned the close relationship between game development and AI technology, highlighting the potential issues surrounding intellectual property rights with generative AI.
Despite technological advancements, Nintendo remains dedicated to providing unique value to its customers through its extensive experience in creating optimal gaming experiences.
Unlike many modern tech companies that have turned to AI, including Google with its mass layoffs, Nintendo has seen success without relying on artificial intelligence. The company has even increased its workforce and achieved significant financial growth thanks to hits like the Switch.
Even without generative AI, Nintendo reported strong financial performance, with $10.8 billion in revenue in FY24 and significant growth in mobile and IP income.
