Nintendo Unveils My Mario Line, But AI Usage Controversy Erupts
Nintendo has announced the My Mario line—a special "collection of products, games, and experiences" aimed at the youngest audience. The project is designed to introduce children to the world of Mario before they can independently play the classic series games. The line targets not only toddlers but also their parents, offering various formats for interacting with the iconic character.
The announcement was accompanied by the release of promotional images, which immediately sparked lively discussion on social media. Some users questioned their authenticity, pointing out certain details—particularly the models' unusually long fingers. These peculiarities led to speculation that generative AI technologies might have been used to create the visuals.
The discussion was interrupted by model Brittny O’Maya Sinclair, who participated in the shoot. In the comments on the post, she clearly stated: "As one of the models, I can confirm—this is not AI." Soon after, Nintendo itself issued an official statement confirming that no generative technologies were used in the process of creating the images. The company emphasized that the visual content was created using traditional methods, without the use of generative AI tools.
Despite Nintendo's clarifications, the topic of AI usage in advertising and game development remains relevant. In 2025, giants like Electronic Arts and Square Enix actively discussed similar initiatives. Furthermore, studio Larian even experimented with AI to create concept art for the game Divinity, but ultimately abandoned the practice.
Currently, Nintendo does not rule out the possibility of exploring AI technologies for future projects but emphasizes that the My Mario line demonstrates a commitment to traditional approaches to creating visual content. The company maintains a cautious stance, balancing between innovation and proven methods to preserve audience trust.