What our favourite video game characters look like as imagined by AI

By Joanne Savage
Published 15th Feb 2023, 17:56 BST
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New AI images reveal what well-known video game characters would look like if they appeared on reality TV or modelled - with them all looking absolutely unreal

The artificial pics, created by Japanese site 6takarakuji, asked an AI to generate photorealistic images of gaming legends as reality TV stars - including Super Mario, Lara Croft, Destiny’s Ikora Rey and The Witcher’s Geralt of Rivia.

And the results are astounding, with the lineup including some surprising bombshells and some unexpected heartthrobs - with Super Mario turning out to be a total stud.

Super Mario: Mario

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What AI thinks the real Mario would look likeWhat AI thinks the real Mario would look like
What AI thinks the real Mario would look like

We’re all familiar with Super Mario’s iconic look - but who would have known that the humble plumber has the potential to become an Italian stallion, if only he were real? Although he’s swapped his piercing blue eyes for a sultry brown in the AI-generated image, there’s no denying where this reality TV stud got his looks from thanks to his flowing hair and majestic moustache.

Super Mario: Princess Peach

If Princess Peach decided to swap reigning over Mushroom Kingdom for becoming the queen of reality TV, it seems that she’d be a complete knockout. With her voluminous blonde hair and cute floral accessories, the AI has managed to perfectly pair her peachy complexion with soft pink hues - and something tells us Mario and her would hit it off perfectly.

Legend of Zelda: Princess Zelda

How the AI imagines Princess PeachHow the AI imagines Princess Peach
How the AI imagines Princess Peach

Princess Peach isn’t the only royal video game character to be reimagined as a babe - with Link’s love interest Zelda swapping her elfin ears for a seasonal summer hat, which makes a killer combo with her tousled blonde locks and sparkly bodice. And although her necklace looks a little different than it does in the video games, we’re sure Link would still make it his mission to win her over.

Tomb Raider: Lara Croft

If you were asked to imagine ‘Lara Croft as a reality tv star’, then you’d probably have already thought of a pretty close match to the AI-generated image. Although many people would think of Angelina Jolie’s classic portrayal, it seems the AI has opted for a more tanned and less pouty Lara. Interestingly, she also seems to be wearing less makeup than those other video game characters.