Former Nintendo designer Takaya Imamura recently shared insights into Shigeru Miyamoto’s uncompromising approach to game design, emphasizing that this philosophy is key to Nintendo’s success. Imamura, who worked on iconic games like Star Fox and F-Zero during his 32-year tenure, highlighted Miyamoto’s influence on his career and the gaming industry at large.
Speaking with Gamesradar at Gamescom 2024, Imamura spoke about his admiration for Miyamoto, who is credited with creating legendary franchises such as Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda. “Generally speaking, he’s a really kind, hardworking person,” Imamura stated, “but when it comes to game design, he doesn’t accept compromise. So my impression was, this is what it takes to be number one at anything in the world.”
This strict adherence to quality has allowed Nintendo to produce games that prioritize gameplay over flashy graphics.
Imamura, who left Nintendo in 2021 to pursue his own creative projects, reflects on his time at the company with pride. He aims to bring the same level of dedication and uncompromising vision to his future endeavors. His experiences under Miyamoto’s mentorship highlight the importance of a clear, unwavering vision in game development.
