Nintendo won't use generative AI in its first-party games

Unlike competitors like Xbox, who are embracing artificial intelligence to help write in-game quests and dialog in future games, Nintendo has no plans to use generative AI tech in its first-party titles.

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As the games industry cuts thousands upon thousands of jobs, publishers are looking for new ways to save on costs. AI is one potential solution: in theory, the technology may be able to speed up game development and potentially even replace positions through automated processes. AI has become a controversial topic because of this, yet despite this sensitivity, publishers like EA and Microsoft are big proponents of the new tech.

Nintendo, however, is dubious about using generative artificial intelligence in its games. The rationale is pretty simple: Nintendo knows that generative AI can have implications for IP rights, and as one of the most litigious companies in the entire industry, Nintendo is one to protect and respect all forms of copyright and intellectual property law.

In a recent Q&A with investors, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa was asked about using AI in games. This is his response:

"In the game industry, AI-like technology has long been used to control enemy character movements, so game development and AI technology have always been closely related.

"Generative AI, which has been a hot topic in recent years, can be more creative, but we also recognize that it has issues with intellectual property rights.

"We have decades of know-how in creating optimal gaming experiences for our customers, and while we remain flexible in responding to technological developments, we hope to continue to deliver value that is unique to us and cannot be achieved through technology alone."