Anyone who has played any Nintendo console is surely familiar with the company’s exclusive game franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Brothers, and Donkey Kong.
In fact, it is fair to say that most of us have heard about these characters and even played their games. If you enjoyed these franchises one way or another, you have Shigeru Miyamoto to thank for that.
Miyamoto is called a gaming legend for nothing. He is a significant figure in Nintendo the company and the brand. Want to know more about this legendary personality in the gaming world? Here’s what you need to know.
Who Exactly Is Shigeru Miyamoto?
As mentioned, Shigeru Miyamoto is considered a legend not only in Nintendo but also in the gaming industry as a whole. He is responsible for some of the most notable games, characters, and designs in the gaming world.
He also created some of the most innovative games to date. If you are a fan of Nintendo, the first thing you need to know about him is that he is the creator of The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Brothers, and Donkey Kong.
Yes, those games were his brainchildren from the very beginning. While he was intent on becoming a comic book illustrator, he entered the gaming industry with the help of his father’s friend.
Shigeru Miyamoto And His Contributions To Gaming
Beloved Games
So, you know that some of Miyamoto’s biggest contributions are his games featuring Mario and Luigi, Link, and the ‘stubborn gorilla’ in Donkey Kong.
However, one of his most celebrated games – which is a result of his mid-life crisis, by the way, – is Wii Fit.
He created this game after he quit smoking and started eating healthy. He was monitoring his progress when the idea of a competitive fitness game came to his mind and that is the birth of Wii Fit.
His inspiration has helped millions of users get athletic in the comfort of their homes.
Memorable Cabinet Work
Those of you who were gamers even before Donkey Kong was released will probably have memories going to arcades to play cabinet games. If you played Sheriff and Space Fever, then you have seen some of his cabinet artwork.
These were his first projects when he first entered Nintendo. Then, his journey to legend-status started when he became responsible for designing a game that can rival Popeye, resulting in the very first Donkey Kong game.
Nintendo’s Number 1 Jack of All Trades
Miyamoto is ambidextrous and even designed Mario and Link using his left hand. So, it does not come as a surprise that one of his most beloved characters is as flexible as he is.
In fact, we have seen this character doing various jobs. Yes, we are talking about Mario here. We have seen him as a plumber, doctor, various kinds of athletes, and a referee.
Unique User Experience
He also contributed a lot in terms of game design and user experience that Nintendo has become known for. If you enjoy the user-centered design of Nintendo’s most notable games, you can thank Miyamoto.
He put himself in the player’s shoes and designed games according to his experience as a player. So, you will see that it has clear goals combined with players’ enjoyment and satisfaction in mind.
The Bottom Line
Shigeru Miyamoto is one of the most influential people in gaming. With his contributions, it is easy to see how he became a legend in Nintendo, as well as in the gaming world as a whole.