Super Mario is easily one of the most recognizable video game icons in the world, but an AI-powered hologram with his likeness has taken to creeping out showgoers at CES 2024. Read on to learn more about this uncanny situation.
Uncanny Mario Hologram Freaks People Out at CES 2024
CES 2024 is the staging ground for a lot of technological marvels to come, but there are bound to be a few stinkers mixed in with the Stark Expo-esque exhibits and presentations. Case in point: an AI-powered hologram of Super Mario was found freaking out showgoers with its stiff animations, dead eyes, and most unsettlingly of all, its monotone text-to-speech voice with a vague Italian accent.
Mario Hologram Was Designed for the Elderly
The uncanny hologram of Mario was made by Proto Hologram, a company that creates interactable life-sized holograms contained in large boxes, similar to the one found on the CES 2024 showroom floor. This effort was made in collaboration with the AARP, an American advocacy group made for people over 50, to demonstrate how AI could be used to combat loneliness within that demographic.
While this is an admirable cause, many are wondering why Super Mario, a licensed and well-known character, was chosen to figurehead this effort. Moreover, if the hologram was designed to provide the elderly with company, why was it so poorly animated and so unsettling?
It's hard to believe that this hologram was showcased at the same event where Nvidia unveiled AI technology capable of generating dynamic and responsive NPCs. Evidently, not all AI NPCs were made equal.
Proto Hologram Denies Nintendo’s Involvement
Needless to say, such an odd occurrence is likely to garner attention from social media. Footage of the oddball Mario began to circulate the internet when Twitter (X) user @ProbChild_ shared his experience. A spokesperson from Proto Hologram came on record to respond to the public's reaction.
"The AI hologram animation briefly seen today is an unfinished proof of concept tested for a client to demonstrate technological capabilities and innovation," the spokesperson told Kotaku. They then made it very clear that the hologram was "not intended for commercial use."
"AARP and Nintendo were not involved in the inadvertent showing today," the spokesperson continued. "The fact that so many gamers of the world have taken notice shows that they are the best fans in the world and we salute them."
Historically, Nintendo has been very protective of its intellectual property, as evidenced by the video game company’s activities on YouTube with its copyrighted music. Nintendo has released no official comment regarding this at the time of writing. Still, considering the hologram’s exposure to the public, it’s only a matter of time before we hear from Mario's real proprietors.
Source:
Creepy AI-powered Mario hologram not endorsed by Nintendo, company admits
