Nintendo has clarified that it is not engaging with Japanese lawmakers regarding generative AI, firmly stating that it “has not communicated with the Japanese government” concerning this controversial technology.

This clarification follows an apology from Japanese politician Satoshi Asano, who mistakenly claimed that Nintendo was lobbying government officials. He later issued a second apology and removed his initial post after backlash.

While the gaming giant usually refrains from commenting on rumors, it sought to dispel this one. Nintendo emphasized its commitment to defending its intellectual property rights, whether or not generative AI is involved: “We will continue to take necessary actions against infringement of our intellectual property rights.”

In a more detailed statement, Nintendo reiterated, “Contrary to recent discussions, we have not had any contact with the Japanese government about generative AI.” This ensures that fans understand the company’s stance regarding the technology.

Furthermore, in recent discussions about generative AI, Nintendo expressed a strong belief that its games will always retain “a human touch.” Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, emphasized the significance of their developers’ creativity and understanding of player interactions, assuring fans that there will always be a human element in game development.

This position contrasts sharply with that of several industry peers. For instance, Square Enix’s CEO Takashi Kiryu has mentioned a proactive approach toward AI integration, with developers having explored AI for some projects. Other companies like Level-5 and Capcom have also acknowledged their experimentation with generative AI, while Sega has its own in-house AI development team.

In fact, a survey by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), which organizes the Tokyo Game Show, revealed that over half of Japanese game companies are currently leveraging AI in their development processes.