Shigeru Miyamoto remains calm when it comes to generative AI. The 73-year-old creator of Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda does not believe that algorithms will displace human creativity. His core statement: "Even if AI were to take over everything, there will always be a role for us."
These statements were made at a press conference celebrating Miyamoto receiving Japan's Order of Culture. There, according to Video Games Chronicle, he was asked about his views on the use of the technology in game development. Nintendo itself has not yet publicly confirmed whether AI is used in the development of its games.
What does Miyamoto say about AI as a tool?
Miyamoto draws a parallel to the computer age: his generation experienced how tools constantly evolved, from typewriters to word processors. Previously, being able to draw beautiful lettering for posters was enough to be considered a designer. With the advancement of computers, individual skill came to the forefront, such as a sense for layout. Generative AI represents a similar transformation.
He also distinguishes between the actual creation and the surrounding work. First comes the rough structure, then the manual work, such as filling in gaps and refining details. The tricky part: this work can be enjoyable. Those who get lost in it might mistakenly consider the result successful. The more tasks AI takes on, the more room there is to reflect on what truly matters. Miyamoto explicitly calls this a positive development.
For him, the creative intention is crucial. Designs created solely by copy-and-paste rarely stand the test of time. The computer is an assistant for the work; the will comes from humans.
What is Nintendo's overall stance on AI?
This is not a rejection of generative AI. According to VGC, Nintendo has never ruled out its use in game development. President Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged its creative potential but warned of intellectual property risks. Former Nintendo of America head Doug Bowser stated that potential use is being discussed internally. Both emphasized the importance of human creativity. Miyamoto's statements thus align with the company's current stance: AI at most as an aid, with ideas remaining human. There is still no official Nintendo position on specific projects; you can find more information on the official Nintendo website.
Why is the AI debate so charged in the industry?
The question of whether AI-generated works are art divides the community. Some see an impermissible shortcut, while others view it as a tool like a graphics tablet or camera. How heated things can get was recently demonstrated by the dispute between Tim Sweeney and Kenney, which we covered in our report on the generative AI dispute on X. Miyamoto's contribution, in contrast, offers a calm counterpoint, and it comes from someone whose name is synonymous with handcrafted game ideas.
Our assessment: The comparison with word processing falls short in one aspect. A word processor doesn't write by itself; AI delivers finished drafts. Precisely for this reason, Miyamoto's point is important: even those who generate content at the push of a button must still know what is good. This is an attitude that studios beyond Nintendo should also embrace.
Source: Video Games Chronicle, GameStar
Do you prefer handcrafted ideas in your favorite games, or do you not care if AI assisted in the development process?
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