Shigeru Miyamoto Shares Nintendo’s Perspective on AI in Gaming

Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary figure behind Nintendo, recently offered his thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI) in gaming during an interview. As many developers increasingly adopt this technology, Miyamoto shed light on how Nintendo views AI and whether it will play a role in the company’s future projects.

Generative AI is already making waves in numerous industries, including gaming. Several game developers have announced plans to incorporate AI into their processes, sparking concerns among industry workers about job security. With layoffs and corporate restructuring becoming more common, there’s growing apprehension that AI might replace certain roles traditionally held by human developers.

However, as Miyamoto pointed out, Nintendo often chooses to take a different path from its competitors. In an interview with The New York Times (via Dexerto), he emphasized that the company is not planning to rely on AI, reflecting its long-standing philosophy of standing apart from the industry norm. This aligns with statements from Nintendo’s current president, who has emphasized the company's focus on creating value that "cannot be achieved by technology alone."

AI's Growing Presence in the Gaming Industry

Nintendo’s approach does set it apart, as many other studios are already embracing AI to various degrees. While not every developer is utilizing AI, a significant number have acknowledged its growing role in game creation. According to a Unity report, 62% of game studios are currently incorporating AI into their development process. However, not all responses to AI have been positive—Magic: The Gathering faced backlash for its use of generative AI. EA, on the other hand, recently showcased a promising AI concept that allows users to create basic game assets in minutes using voice commands, highlighting the potential of AI in shaping the future of game development.

Although generative AI is still in its early stages, its rapid development is causing unease among gamers and developers alike. For now, at least, it appears Nintendo is not part of the AI rush. Despite the company’s games often lacking features like ray-tracing or cutting-edge graphics compared to its rivals, Nintendo continues to deliver visually stunning, immersive, and incredibly fun experiences. While the company’s stance on AI might evolve as the technology matures, for the time being, Nintendo games will remain crafted by human hands rather than AI algorithms.