'Super Mario' Creator Breaks Down The Problem With AI Perfectly

Shigeru Miyamoto, co-creator of iconic Nintendo games like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario, recently received Japan's highest cultural honor, the 2026 Order of Culture award. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology bestowed the recognition upon Miyamoto, and his subsequent press conference discussion provided a fascinating perspective on the impact of artificial intelligence on the gaming industry.

During the event, Miyamoto addressed a multitude of subjects, including the influence of his upbringing and Nintendo's commitment to fostering originality among its extensive workforce of 10,000 employees. Among the most noteworthy points was Miyamoto's contemplation of AI's role in game development, a subject that resonates deeply within the gaming community as it undergoes a significant transformation driven by AI advancements.

Miyamoto acknowledged that AI has indeed revolutionized the creation process, granting a broader audience the ability to craft video games and disseminating game-related content across the internet. For Miyamoto, AI's positive aspects lie in its potential to help individuals grasp the essence of creative expression and the power of creation.

He shared an anecdote from the past, comparing the evolution of design tools to the transition from typewriters to word processors. Back in the day, mastering techniques like lettering could elevate an individual's status as a designer. As computers and word processors became more prevalent, the line between designers and their assistants blurred, leading to the realization that sometimes, the person handling the technical aspects possessed superior design skills.

Miyamoto believes that the integration of AI into game development serves a similar purpose - it helps people comprehend the joy and potency of creation. While AI creators largely rely on digital tools to establish a foundational structure, Miyamoto emphasizes that the true work lies in refining the final product. However, he warns that this process can lead to an overestimation of one's accomplishments, as developers may become so engrossed in the creation that they falsely believe they have produced something remarkable.

Miyamoto compared this phenomenon to the widespread practice of copying and pasting in the design world when computers became accessible to everyone. He cautioned that such designs, although existing, lack longevity. Regarding the future implications of AI in gaming, Miyamoto expressed uncertainty, stating that he is unsure of the changes AI will bring.

Nonetheless, he remains optimistic that human intention will continue to be a driving force behind creativity in the gaming industry. "I believe there's still much we can do," Miyamoto concluded.