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Each year, Nintendo’s legendary creator Shigeru Miyamoto gives an orientation talk to new employees to introduce them to the company’s values and the art of crafting exceptional video games. At a recent Financial Results Briefing, an investor asked Miyamoto about the contents of these talks and his approach to creative succession at Nintendo.
The investor asked, “I’ve read that you speak annually to new hires at Nintendo. What do you cover in those talks? And, given your reputation for creative success, how do you ensure your approach is passed down effectively within the company?”
Miyamoto responded with humility, saying, “You called me a ‘genius,’ but I actually see myself as quite ordinary. Each year, I speak to around 100-200 new graduates and mid-career hires. Many expect something unusual but end up feeling relieved to see I’m just like anyone else. I often reflect on how I can work more efficiently and how successful projects can make future work easier. In my talks, I cover the challenges that come with creative work.”
He explained that his talk is divided into three parts. The first part explores Nintendo’s history, from its origins in hanafuda playing cards through its evolution into an entertainment giant. The second part discusses Nintendo’s core values in game development, including insights into Nintendo’s unique approach to interface design through the years. The third part focuses on game design itself. Miyamoto advises new developers to look beyond simply building on existing games and instead observe the world around them, shaping these observations into new, engaging experiences. He emphasizes that game design is fundamentally about planning—selecting the right hardware, considering development constraints, and using trial and error to bring a vision to life. Many new employees find this perspective enlightening, as it often differs from their own views on game design.
The talk is about two hours each year, but Miyamoto believes that the Nintendo Museum will soon provide employees a more lasting connection to the company’s creative legacy.
Nintendo producer Takahashi added that the producers work closely with Miyamoto, drawing on his philosophy and collaborating to shape Nintendo’s diverse range of games. Each producer incorporates Miyamoto’s insights into their own work, sharing these principles with their teams and bringing Miyamoto’s philosophy into their unique projects.