No, Mario Kart World does not use generative artificial intelligence for its scenery. Following accusations made and relayed by the gaming community, Nintendo had no choice but to speak out to put an end to the rumors. Panels seen in-game during a live presentation sowed doubt among spectators, who were quick to become concerned. It must be said that some posters intended to fill the circuit scenery sometimes seem incoherent, not to say strange. In an increasingly tense climate regarding the use of artificial intelligence to replace artistic tasks, there are flaws that are now instinctively attributed to these tools, even though no one would have questioned it before.
The result is a veritable digital witch hunt that pushes AI detractors to alarm the public at the slightest doubt, even in the absence of concrete evidence. In the case of Mario Kart World, simple clips taken from a non-final version of the game were enough to increase fears, to the point that Nintendo was forced to deny the accusations to Eurogamer. This ease in incriminating studios is worrying and risks causing serious problems within the industry, since no one is safe, not even the famous mustachioed plumber.
Official regulations can't wait any longer
While the case of Mario Kart World is almost enough to make you smile, this kind of situation promises to be increasingly burdensome, for both players and developers, in the absence of new AI regulations. Image generation tools and other innovations related to artificial intelligence continue to advance at a rapid pace, as does the lack of clarity regarding their use. Is it truly ethical to produce art generated from the creations of artists whose consent is unknown, rather than hiring real humans?
In the absence of a general consensus, anyone can use these tools as they please, without the slightest repercussion (except for the anger of a portion of the public). Leaving players in constant doubt opens the door to endless accusations as well as to studios that we will have to take at their word. More than ever, gamers and industry players have the right to obtain concrete supervision of artificial intelligence and the case of Mario Kart World should serve as a wake-up call. Video games are an art form that deserves to be protected, and so do the artists who work in them.
0 Comments