Skip to main content

Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto: 'I'm a designer,' not an artist

shigeru miyamoto games not art super mario 3d world imago
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The debate on whether or not video games are works of art has been going on for several decades, and one legendary designer has weighed in with regard to his own creations. Mario and Zelda mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto considers his games to be “products,” and he doesn’t view himself as an artist.

In an interview with Glixel, Miyamoto explained that he thinks of himself much more as a “designer” than as an artist, as he’s trying to “fit all the pieces together” to create a finished game.

“I’m a designer. I don’t think of myself as creating works, I really think of myself as creating products for people to enjoy,” he said. “That’s why I’ve always called my games products rather than works of art.”

Just two years ago, it seemed that Miyamoto may have taken a slightly more pro-“art” stance on the subject. He admitted that there was “sameness” in the video game industry due to companies closely monitoring successes, and that “creativity is still immature,” but that companies will likely be able to take more risks in the future.

In the meantime, Miyamoto has allowed his creativity to shine through other, nontraditional Nintendo products, as a younger group of designers take the lead on the Switch console and its software.

“Because of that, what it’s allowed me to do is focus on other projects like Super Mario Run or the Universal theme park. I’m going to keep looking for these opportunities where I can do something new and fun,” Miyamoto said.

In the case of the theme park, concept images released thus far for a Japanese “Super Nintendo World” location show a full-fledged Mushroom Kingdom come to life. If Miyamoto has more projects like that lined up for the future, we’re very excited. In the case of Super Mario Run, you’ll be able to try it out on iOS this Thursday.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
After four months with the ROG Ally, I’m going back to my Steam Deck
Final Fantasy VII Remake running on the Steam Deck.

By nearly all objective measures, the ROG Ally is better than the Steam Deck. It has solid battery life, a nicer screen, more power, and Windows 11, allowing it to access a much wider library of games than the Steam Deck offers. After four months of using both devices, though, I'm fine keeping my Steam Deck.

That might surprise you, especially if you caught my ROG Ally review when I first took a look at the device nearly four months ago. I even tried replacing my desktop with the device on the strength of Asus' impressive XG Mobile. But after using the ROG Ally for just about every purpose possible, I've been picking up my Steam Deck to play games.
What you want, what you need

Read more
PlayStation VR2 just got 2 fun shooters, but I’m still waiting to be wowed
Key art for Firewall Ultra.

For the past six months, PlayStation VR2 players like myself have been yearning for new reasons to boot up our headsets. And after a long wait, the VR platform is getting a much-needed infusion with two brand-new titles. It’s a cause for celebration, but a mild one; neither of PSVR2's latest titles does much to revitalize my shock and awe for the platform six months into its life span.

The two games in question are the exclusive, Sony-published Firewall Ultra from First Contact Entertainment and Crossfire Sierra Squad from Smilegate. Both are realistic-looking military shooters, although they are different in execution. Firewall Ultra is a Rainbow Six Siege-style, squad-based multiplayer game, while Crossfire Sierra Squad taps more into the genre’s arcade roots to create VR shooting galleries.

Read more
I’m going to use a guide for Baldur’s Gate 3, and so should you
A Baldur's Gate 3 character lights the way.

I know I'm not the only one who has been intimidated by the sheer complexity of computer role-playing games (CRPGs) in the past. Games like Divinity: Original Sin 2 have always intrigued me because of just how deep and flexible these experiences are, and yet the systems and mechanics have always kept me away. I've just been too intimidated, but that needs to change soon.

With Baldur's Gate 3 about to drop in its full release, I realized I couldn't resist any longer. If I was going to enjoy what's shaping up to be a landmark CRPG, I'd need to overcome my onboarding worries if I was going to find the fun. With the release just a few days away, I've made a decision that I think will finally get me into a CRPG as dense as this: I am going to read the heck out of some guides during my adventure. And I encourage you to do the same.
Guide my hand
For a very long time, there's been an elitist mindset in some gaming circles that using guides or looking things up about games in any capacity somehow sullies the sanctity of the experience. In reality, that couldn't be further from the truth. Sure, extra assistance might spoil a solution-based puzzle game if you look up every answer without trying to solve it yourself, but guides can also enhance one's experience. Some may find joy in the process of solving esoteric riddles, fighting a boss with unclear mechanics, or unlocking hidden weapons for hours on end. But that's not true for everyone.

Read more