Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Escapist logo header image

Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto Talks About Passing the Torch

This article is over 11 years old and may contain outdated information

Shigeru Miyamoto believes Nintendo’s core franchises are in good hands and don’t “need me anymore.”

You may remember Shigeru Miyamoto as the man behind pretty much every big franchise Nintendo can lay claim to. Super Mario, Zelda, Star Fox, Pikmin; he’s had a hand in all of them and more. That being said, as of late the famed game creator has been taking a less direct role in the furtherance of his franchises, instead leaving the development of major projects in the hands of others within Nintendo.

For instance, Miyamoto, commenting recently on Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma, said “he doesn’t need me any more.” While “the final responsibility” for new Zelda titles is still left to Miyamoto himself he stated that he’s “definitely able to leave the series up to [Aonuma] in a way.” It’s a similar case, he stated, with producers including Yoshiaki Koizumi (Super Mario 3D World), Hideki Konno (Mario Kart 8) and Katsuya Eguchi (Animal Crossing). “These are the main producers that we’ve trained who are talented enough and we can allow them to oversee the project and manage all the details and still maintain the Nintendo level of quality.”

While it’s somewhat sad to think of the man behind so many classic game franchises taking a smaller role at Nintendo, it makes sense for Miyamoto to be training people to take over for him. After all, even if he were an endless fountain of ideas, we imagine he might. at some point, want a break from being the creative center of one of the world’s most important entertainment companies. Not to mention that, as tragic recent events have proven, even giants eventually fall.

Source: Official Nintendo Magazine

Recommended Videos

The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission.Ā Learn more about our Affiliate Policy