Miyamoto: I don’t really play games by myself anymore

Shigeru Miyamoto is an icon of the gaming world, the visionary mind behind some of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises. Yet, this legendary game designer has done something unexpected: he rarely plays video games anymore, reserving his time mostly for the company of his grandchildren. The shift in focus offers a charming glimpse into the life of a man whose passions extend far beyond pixels and controllers.

When asked about his current gaming habits, Miyamoto admitted that he no longer engages in solo gameplay, admitting a slight chuckle. Despite this change, he keeps video games close to home, not for personal pursuit, but as shared experiences with his family. He explains that the presence of games stimulates his grandkids, and he happily tells them, “If you want to play games, come to grandad’s house.”

For Miyamoto, gaming serves a different purpose now—it’s a vehicle for connection rather than solitary entertainment. He notes that while the little ones might not finish complex quests themselves, working through them together creates a shared memory and a wonderful bonding experience. In fact, he recently dove into the world of gameplay, tackling challenging titles like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker to help his family face the virtual boss.

This reflective view is perfectly aligned with Miyamoto’s lifelong philosophy regarding creativity. His inspiration for game design didn’t just come from games; it stemmed from a rich tapestry of interests outside the digital realm. His passion for instruments inspired the sounds in titles like Wii Music, his affinity for dogs sparked concepts for characters like Nintendogs, and time spent in the garden inspired the world-building of Pikmin.

This multidisciplinary approach is a hallmark of Miyamoto’s legacy. In a memorable interview from 2017, he shared how he approached hiring talent at Nintendo: “I always look for designers who aren’t super passionate game fans,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of finding individuals with diverse interests and skill sets, believing that this broad perspective leads to more innovative and unique game designs. Even some of the talented people he hired had never played a video game before joining Nintendo.

Ultimately, Miyamoto’s story is a testament to enduring creativity. Whether he is designing worlds for millions or simply sharing simple gameplay moments with his family, the true essence of his work lies in using imagination—inspired by everything from dogs and gardening to music and technology—to build something truly meaningful.