Nintendo’s Approach to Development Costs
In a recent discussion with investors, Shigeru Miyamoto, a prominent figure in Nintendo’s history, addressed the issue of increasing development costs in the gaming industry. Miyamoto emphasized that the essence of what Nintendo creates holds greater significance than the financial resources allocated to development projects.
The Philosophy Behind Game Creation
Miyamoto articulated that, despite inevitable rises in expenses due to expanding development scales, Nintendo prioritizes crafting engaging and unique experiences. The company maintains that extraordinary games can be developed without exorbitant budgets. He explained that identifying ideas with potential for refinement is crucial, and this mindset has persisted since the days of the Nintendo Entertainment System. While individual interests vary, Nintendo believes in nurturing concepts that offer something unprecedented, thereby enhancing their value through innovation and refinement. This commitment includes investing in development when necessary and ensuring that games are released only when they meet Nintendo’s high standards.
Cost-Efficient Creativity
Miyamoto also highlighted the possibility of creating compelling entertainment without incurring high costs, drawing parallels with children’s toys. He stressed that not all products demand substantial financial investment, and even with current technology, enjoyable games can be developed by small teams within short timeframes. Maintaining this perspective is important to Nintendo.
Supporting Opinions from Nintendo Executives
Other executives, Shinya Takahashi and Ko Shiota, echoed Miyamoto’s sentiments. Takahashi underscored the importance of creating “unique titles that are small in scale” with potential for expansion, rather than pouring vast amounts of money into development. He acknowledged that the Nintendo Switch has evolved to incorporate methods that limit cost increases. Shiota added that efficient work practices are crucial, as larger budgets do not automatically produce superior ideas. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa emphasized that investing in development is essential to maintain high-quality hardware and software.
Miyamoto’s Personal Insights
During the same Q&A session, Miyamoto humbly rejected the notion of being labeled a “genius.” He shared anecdotes of new Nintendo employees remarking on his normality upon meeting him. Additionally, Miyamoto recently expressed a desire for Nintendo to remain uninvolved in console wars and indicated a preference for diverging from industry trends regarding artificial intelligence.
Future Prospects and Innovations
These discussions occur as Nintendo prepares to unveil its next-generation console, which will succeed the Nintendo Switch. The company has confirmed that this forthcoming console, tentatively named Switch 2, will support gameplay for existing Switch titles and continue its online services.