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Shigeru Miyamoto “Not Really Thinking About” Directing Another Game
Shigeru Miyamoto, the veteran Nintendo designer behind Mario and Zelda, has said he is "not really thinking about" directing another video game, citing the sheer scale modern productions require. In a wide-ranging interview with Famitsu, he explained that a single game now typically needs around 200 people involved, which he described as "tough" compared with the film industry, where dedicated production staff keep things running.
Miyamoto, 73, did not entirely rule out a return to directing, noting that his hands-on involvement in Pikmin Bloom shows he could take on a project again if the right theme came along. He last directed a full game with Super Mario 64 in 1996, followed by Super Mario Run in 2016, and remains active as a producer on the Super Mario films, the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie, and Universal's Super Nintendo World attractions. Asked whether he hoped to still be working in ten years, he gave a candid answer about his age, joking that colleagues have told him "it wouldn't be surprising" if he collapsed, while expressing hope to keep going without problems.
In short
- Miyamoto says he isn't currently planning to direct another game.
- Cites the scale of modern games, needing around 200 staff.
- At 73, he hopes to "keep going" but jokes about his health.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Miyamoto represents an irreplaceable creative force whose directorial vision has shaped gaming history. Whilst modern productions are resource-intensive, his legendary status and proven ability to lead iconic franchises mean he could command the necessary teams for a focused project without requiring massive tentpole efforts. The gaming industry would be genuinely diminished by losing his hands-on creative direction, and remaining active at 73 demonstrates he is still capable of meaningful contribution to the medium.
The case against
Modern game development genuinely does require the large-scale coordination Miyamoto describes, and at 73, intensive directorial responsibilities risk his health and wellbeing. He has already achieved legendary status with nothing left to prove. His talents are better applied through producing, creative consultation, and evolving roles like film and theme park work, where his vision shapes projects without the physical and mental toll of directing a 200-person team. His own thoughtful assessment of his capacity deserves respect, and this transition is a wise, mature choice.
Explained simply
Shigeru Miyamoto is one of the world's most celebrated video game designers, having created the Mario and Legend of Zelda franchises during his four decades at Nintendo. These games became some of the most successful entertainment properties in history and defined multiple generations of gaming, making his creative decisions of significant cultural and commercial interest. His influence on how games are developed remains profound across the industry.
Video game development has transformed dramatically since Miyamoto last directed a full game in 1996. Today's productions typically require teams of around 200 people, far exceeding the smaller crews of earlier eras and making large-scale directing far more complex and resource-intensive. This reflects how gaming has evolved from a niche industry into a mainstream entertainment medium with entirely different production requirements.
Miyamoto, now 73, continues to work in the entertainment industry as a producer rather than as a director, overseeing the Mario and Zelda film adaptations and theme park attractions. In this role, he influences major creative decisions without taking on the demanding work of directing a full-scale game production. This shift reflects both the evolution of the industry and the changing demands on someone at his stage in life.