Shigeru Miyamoto, the creative force behind iconic Nintendo franchises, has voiced strong criticism against companies that prioritize short-term profit gains over long-term player value. In a recent interview, Miyamoto stated that such a focus feels like a "massive failure" when it comes at the expense of talent and product quality.
Miyamoto explained that Nintendo's approach to game development centers on playability rather than immediate profitability. He cited franchises like Pokémon and Splatoon as examples of games designed with the primary goal of creating fun experiences, suggesting they would have been fundamentally different if conceived with profit maximization as the initial objective.
The veteran designer elaborated on the enduring global success of the Mario series, attributing it to a core concept rooted in physical movement. This simplicity, he noted, allows the games to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, making them universally enjoyable. This, Miyamoto believes, distinguishes Nintendo from other companies.
He expressed disappointment that the ultimate goal for many businesses is profit rather than playability. "We've always focused on creating the best possible product to match the 'fun gameplay' we envision," Miyamoto said. "I think that's the only real difference. I might sound a bit arrogant saying this [laughs], but if you make things while constantly asking 'will this make money right away?' you can't create anything truly unique or with broad appeal."
Miyamoto specifically dislikes financial terms like "depreciation" or "recouping costs," questioning the celebration of such metrics when they are achieved by exhausting employee talent. He emphasized Nintendo's "principle of gameplay," which posits that unique and enjoyable experiences have a more lasting impact on individuals' lives than products created solely to satisfy shareholders or increase immediate revenue.
While acknowledging that Nintendo, like any business, requires profit for longevity, Miyamoto clearly places the emphasis on fun and playability first, with financial success as a secondary outcome.