Shigeru Miyamoto Advocates for Nintendo’s Uniqueness
At a time when many companies in the industry are adopting generative AI to create content or streamline game development, for creative and often economic reasons, Miyamoto explained that Nintendo wants to take a different route. When a new technology like AI becomes popular, everyone starts to jump on the bandwagon. But that’s exactly when Nintendo prefers to go in a different direction,
he stated. For Miyamoto, it’s not just about being contrarian but about preserving Nintendo’s identity by focusing on elements that make its games unique, such as the originality of concepts and the quality of user experience.
Not Everyone Agrees
Miyamoto’s stance is in contrast to that of many major players in the sector, like Electronic Arts and Microsoft, who are heavily investing in AI to revolutionize
game development. At a recent conference, EA’s CEO Andrew Wilson claimed that AI is at the heart of the company’s gaming operations
. Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced the integration of AI chatbots in games such as Minecraft to provide real-time assistance to players. This rapid adoption of AI, as you know, raises ethical questions and concerns related to copyright issues. Perhaps this is also what prompts Nintendo to remain cautious.
As a reminder, last July, Shuntaro Furukawa, president of Nintendo, had already expressed his reservations about generative AI. While acknowledging its creative potential, he also highlighted the intellectual property problems it could cause. We have decades of expertise in creating the best video game experiences. While we are open to new technologies, our priority remains to offer added value that only Nintendo can provide,
he stated. This confirms the company’s intention not to rush into adopting technologies that could compromise it and destabilize its players.
A Strategy Consistent with Nintendo’s History
This approach aligns with Nintendo’s philosophy, which has often chosen not to follow dominant technological trends. Examples include virtual reality, online services, or simply the pursuit of more powerful consoles. Nintendo has always preferred to develop its own innovations, like the Switch, rather than aligning with its competitors. The company remains dedicated to its quest for originality, even if it means going against the current.