Nintendo has commented on the controversial topic of generative artificial intelligence in video game development, outlining its pros and cons.
In a Q&A with shareholders, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa was asked about the company’s initiatives regarding AI. In response, Furukawa said that generative AI can be used “in creative ways,” but said that its use “also raises issues with intellectual property rights.”
Artificial intelligence and its use in games is one of the hottest topics within the video game industry, with several studios promoting AI generated NPCs or AI-driven level creationOthers have expressed concerns about the potential impact on jobs, particularly in the arts, quality assurance and performance.
Generative AI has so far signed criticism of players and makers due to a mix of ethical issues, legal issues, and AI’s struggles to produce content that audiences actually enjoy. For example, Keywords Studios tried to create an experimental game internally using only AI. The game failedwith Keywords telling investors that AI was “not able to replace talent.”
As for Nintendo, which is preparing to reveal and release its successor console Switch, 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 is Furukawa’s full statement:
In the gaming industry, AI-like technologies have been used for a long time, for example to control the movements of opponents. So I believe that game development and AI technology have always been closely linked. Generative AI, which has become a big topic recently, can be used in creative ways, but we recognize that it can also raise issues with intellectual property rights.
We have decades of expertise in creating the best gaming experiences for our players. While we are open to leveraging technological advancements, we will work to continue delivering value that is unique to Nintendo and cannot be created by technology alone.
Nintendo’s mixed statement here comes as its video game console rivals are going all-in on AI. Microsoft, for example, is reportedly creating an Xbox AI chatbot to automate support tasks like game refunds, deal with broken consoles and subscription issues, and answer error code queries.
Meanwhile, Head of PlayStation Productions and Head of Product at PlayStation Studios Asad Qizilbash weighted on AI to say that its use in video games is important to Gen Z and Gen Alpha gamers who are looking for “personalization in everything.”
“For example, non-player characters in games can interact with players based on their actions, making it feel more personal,” Qizilbash said. “This is important for the younger Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences, the first generations who grew up digitally and are looking for personalization in everything, and for experiences that are more meaningful.”
Earlier this year, EA CEO Andrew Wilson told the investment community that “over 50% of our development processes will be positively impacted by advances in generative AI.” Wilson, who oversees EA Sports FC, The Sims and BioWare games, added that AI will make game development “more efficient,” revealing that EA Sports FC developers can now create stadiums in six weeks instead of six months.
The Witcher voice actor Doug Cockle also expressed his concern and frustration about the growing presence of AI in the video game industry, calling it “inevitable” but also “dangerous.”
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.