Random "I'm A Pretty Normal Person" - Miyamoto Disputes 'Genius' Label

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Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary Nintendo game designer, recently addressed the 'genius' label often attributed to him during a Q&A session following a financial briefing. In response to an investor's question about creativity succession plans, Miyamoto humbly disputed the notion of being a genius.

Miyamoto shared that after his annual lectures for new and mid-career employees at Nintendo, he often hears feedback like, "I wondered what kind of person Miyamoto was, but I was relieved to find out that he was actually a normal person." He emphasized, "I think I'm a pretty normal person."

Here's the Google translated excerpt:

Q: Please tell me about the succession plan in terms of creativity. From the outside, it seems that Miyamoto-san is a genius, which is why he continues to create hits. I think it is difficult to convey the essence of game development, so what kind of methods do you use to achieve this? I would like to know if the essence of Miyamoto-san's creative thinking is being successfully passed down within the company.
Miyamoto: You used the word "genius" in your question, but after my annual lectures for about 100-200 new employees and mid-career employees, I often hear people say, "I wondered what kind of person Miyamoto was, but I was relieved to find out that he was actually a normal person," so I think I'm a pretty normal person.
I think it would be more fun if I didn't have to work, so if I do work, I think about how to do it as efficiently as possible, and if I'm doing the same job, it's easier to make the next job if it's a hit, so I always think about how to make it more of a hit. In my annual lectures, I also talk about these kinds of creative worries.

The creator went on to discuss his approach to work, stating that he always considers how to perform tasks efficiently and how to make each project more successful than the last. He shares these creative insights during his annual lectures to employees.

This statement aligns with Miyamoto's well-known humble attitude towards his accomplishments. Despite his significant contributions to the gaming industry, including his recent involvement in "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" and the Super Nintendo World theme parks, Miyamoto continues to view himself as an ordinary individual focused on creating enjoyable experiences.

Miyamoto's response highlights his down-to-earth perspective and his focus on practical, efficient approaches to game development and creative work, rather than embracing the 'genius' label often ascribed to him by others in the industry.

https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2024/241106_2.pdf

Random: "I'm A Pretty Normal Person" - Miyamoto Disputes 'Genius' Label

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