Nintendo Responds to Anti-Generative AI Lobbying Claims

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Nintendo has stated that it is not collaborating with the Japanese government to oppose generative AI. The idea that Nintendo was against AI seemed unexpected, especially since many other video game companies have been increasingly using this technology. Now, Nintendo representatives have clarified their position regarding the alleged lobbying attempts.

Generative AI is causing debate across many fields, and the gaming world is also feeling the effects. Aspyr recently took down AI-created content in Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered after the French voice actress for Lara Croft filed a lawsuit. She claimed the company used AI to copy her voice without asking her or getting her approval. Blizzard and Microsoft have also received criticism for using AI, particularly because Microsoft is said to have let go of hundreds of workers to utilize AI instead.

Nintendo Says Claims of Its Anti-AI Lobbying Are False

So, I saw this interesting thing online. On October 5th, Nintendo officially tweeted that they haven’t been talking to the Japanese government about AI or how it’s used in games, even though there were rumors saying they had. Apparently, it all started with a post from a politician named Asano Satoshi, who has since deleted it. He claimed Nintendo was actively lobbying the government and purposely avoiding generative AI to protect their intellectual property. Now, Nintendo is famous for being strict about copyright – we’re all following the Palworld lawsuit, right? – but they’ve clarified that this isn’t about trying to change any laws regarding AI. Asano has since apologized for not verifying his information and said he’ll be more careful in the future.

Nintendo has stated it will continue to fight copyright violations, even if generative AI is used. A major concern with AI-created content is intellectual property – many AI systems learn by using copyrighted work. However, the law hasn’t fully adapted to this new technology, making it difficult to determine what is considered acceptable fair use and what is considered infringement when AI is involved. Despite these legal questions, Nintendo has so far taken a reasonable stance on the technology. Doug Bowser, of Nintendo of America, has confirmed that Nintendo doesn’t plan to replace workers with AI, but is exploring ways to use AI to improve the company.

Considering what Bowser has said before and how Nintendo has responded in similar situations, the company doesn’t seem to be rushing to adopt generative AI, but they aren’t completely rejecting it either. Aside from Nintendo, AI is now frequently used in game development, even though it’s often debated. Research suggests that around 20% of games on Steam incorporate generative AI in some way.

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2025-10-05 18:18