December 8th, 2011

Miyamoto retires from his current position at Nintendo, will work on smaller projects

127 Comments

Shigeru Miyamoto has revealed that he is retiring from his current position at Nintendo, meaning he will no longer be in charge of the development of the bigger franchises such as Mario and Zelda. Instead he will be focusing on smaller projects that don’t have five-year development cycles. Here how he explained it:

What I really want to do is be in the forefront of game development once again myself. Probably working on a smaller project with even younger developers. Or I might be interested in making something that I can make myself, by myself. Something really small. In other words, I’m not intending to start from things that require a five-year development time.

In line with this though, Miyamoto will begin working on a new title during 2012.

  • Wesley

    No.

    • Matt

      I think this is the necessary time to use this:

      http://www.nooooooooooooooo.com/

    • BR!4N

      @Matt I was going to go there! But my laptop broke and I have to use my 3DS for internet…

    • Ruīji !

      @Matt Perfect timing D:

    • HADUKEN!!!

      @Matt Oh yeah someone need to fix that button I ehm I mean some guy press that button until it broke it wasnt me.

    • ColorblindMonk

      He’s not going anywhere. He’s just stepping down from his position to make smaller projects.

    • Naner

      He’ll probably be advising the teams doing whatever is the next Zelda or Mario, so it’s not that different from what he was already doing. This actually may be good news times two: we get to see Mario and Zelda more different than usual, and new franchises coming out faster from Shiggy’s mind.

    • electricpotentials

      And there you have it guys !!! better DLC for the nintendo 3DS is underway.. So I think hes planning on making DLC content for both sony and nintendo. Don’t cry when shiggy brings out top quality DLC on the eshop etc.

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/ClassicGamer616?feature=mhum lachster

    does this mean the line of epic zelda games will come to a close? :O

    • Chcoman123

      Let’s hope not. Though I don’t have it yet, I heaerd skyward sword was amazing. I truly hope that this means a decrease of quality in games.

    • Keith

      Zelda will probably be 100% handed over to Aonuma. Which isn’t necessarily bad.

    • Matt

      Agree with Keith, Aonuma’s basically already the head of Zelda. The unfortunate thing is that we know Miyamoto did offer some things. The main thing was pushing Aonuma to use WiiMotionPlus which obviously had a giant affect on Skyward Sword. Although Aonuma has said that he wants to challenge the Zelda formula rather than leave it the same so I can’t say I’m worried too much about Zelda. However, I don’t know what’s going to happen with everything else…

    • http://gravatar.com/elffcc Big E

      Aonuma probably does that already. I think Miyamoto just oversees the production…Just a thought.

    • Lunchbox

      I think the Mario franchise is ok as well. Koizumi (who has handled this generations Mario games to some extent) is more than qualified to handle the next games in the series. Galaxy 1&2 should prove that statement true as well as Super Mario 3D Land.

  • http://www.facebook.com/fakkershuga Shuga

    Oh ohh!! :s

  • s905wii

    He could change his mind

    • thesupergamer85

      he won’t

    • s905wii

      Awwwwww. Wait, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • http://gravatar.com/jacknzack27 JacknZack

    well…he had a good long run and made so many good games… this is sad though, even though it had to happen eventually…(I hope that the quality of mario and zelda games dont decrease) =(

  • Andry02

    a least he is going to make new games, those new games are going to be a master piece

  • Belinni

    Well we’ve seen that other developers close to Nintendo like Grezzo and Retro can do just fine with their franchises and even make some incredible improvements to those games so I guess Miyamoto just wants to create new franchises for Nintendo.

    Perhaps he thought the best way to do so was by hanging around the new guys!

    • HADUKEN!!!

      Yeah that we keep some fanboys stop calling nintendo lazy for using the same good franchises

  • http://aksoft.us DaManWitDaPlan

    Well… I was about to say NOOOOOOOO but after reading the article it doesn’t seem that bad…

  • Robert

    nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

  • NintyLover

    I hope he’s pitched some ideas for Zelda 3DS and Wii U already. If not, I hope someone has the right idea of where to go with it.

  • A D

    No…. well whatever he decides to make, maybe it’ll be jst aswome :D Maybe he can improve some of Nintendo’s other series… Metroid anyone?

    • Sarah

      doubtful

  • Keith

    Well this could be the birth of new Nintendo IPs. :)

    • tbpb2010

      Oops I may have just posted exactly what you said Keith, srry bout the redundancy!

    • http://NintendoWorlds.net TurboPikachu

      Well, back in ’99, he and Satoru Iwata, as a joke, slapped together a 2D fighting game in less than a year, and a minimal budget for the hell of it. Look how far Super Smash Bros. went.

      Now that Shigeru is in this position, wanting to make games that take less than 5 years to make, he may be able to make games that have the same effect. :)

  • tbpb2010

    I wonder if this means he intends on starting (or allowing) the start of new original franchises that could potentially catch on like Mario and Zelda? Not that there’s anything wrong with them (2 of my favs btw), but it’d be interesting to see a new, fun franchise’s first steps.

  • BR!4N

    Just watch Zelda and Mario wither and die… goodbye, Nintendo…

    • http://gravatar.com/elffcc Big E

      No. Just no.

    • Matt

      I’m sure they can continue to make Mario games creative, and Zelda has mainly and mostly been handled by Aonuma so that definitely won’t take a hit. Especially since Aonuma wants to play around with the Zelda formula. :)

    • Ruīji !

      That won’t happen! He will still be there, and he’ll probably be one of those people who “Retires” *wink wink*

    • HADUKEN!!!

      Mario and Zelda bye? ha yeah rigth

  • Matt

    So is Miyamoto going to make that new original IP or not? Also, Pikmin 3 BETTER NOT DIE!!! I’m sure most of it is done but still, I’ve been waiting for it for like 6 years… SIX YEARS!!! (or so)

  • darkrosekid

    why? why?…. oh well it could be worst i guess

  • Zyph

    everybody keeps stressing out the part where he will retire. read the whole interview and it’s not a complete bummber

  • SparktehFox

    I believe Miyamoto-sama has been trying to prepare the newer generation for his position. It’s true they’ll never be another Miyamoto, but the best we can do is get people good enough to keep Nintendo what it is and always has been. I’m fairly certain no one in their right mind wants Nintendo to become M$ or Sony. Miyamoto also made a remark about stepping down earlier for the Wii U.

    “For the GameCube and Wii I was really deeply involved from the start and the design of the structure and development processes… for the [Wii U], I would say it represents the beginning of a transition with younger generations of Nintendo engineers who have been more involved in the development of the project. I am still very present and engaged myself, but less directly. It’s like I stepped aside: I followed step by step work and gave them advice.”

    • Ruīji !

      He’s like a mentor =D

    • HADUKEN!!!

      They migth be another Miyamoto if he have a kid lol hope he has i dont want to see nintendo going in bad hands

  • Ryan

    No! Miyamoto no!

  • joshua

    so more eshop games?

  • AM

    Well it is probably a good time for him to transition, he was not too active in the development of more recent games like Skyward Sword or Super Mario 3D Land. It is good for the company having to adjust and transition while its tip designer is still there and can still lend a hand rather than when is no longer able to assist them with the transition.

    Anyways, I’d rather have him work on smaller projects. After all Super Mario bros, Legend of Zelda, Pikmin, and the Wii series were all results of him working on smaller things.

  • HADUKEN!!!

    So Pikmin 3?

  • http://www.youtube.com/kfd056 kfd056

    umm… i knew the day would finally come, but not this quickly. hopefully he left a mark on the zelda team and mario team so they will continue to make great zelda and mario games to come.

  • flyinggazelle

    NO, he is one of my hero’s in life. He can’t retire.

  • CrimsonalCore

    Retire or not, we all love his work, his games, and his legacy.

    We’ll live up with his reception and tell our children, grandchildren about Miyamoto when he make Mario, Zelda, etc.

  • http://www.NintendoWorlds.net TurboPikachu

    Well, this could be a good thing.

    “I want to start with something really small; something that doesn’t require a five-year development time”

    I mean, back in 1999, he and Satoru Iwata slapped together a fighting game made in less than a year, almost as if a joke, or a one-hit wonder to revive N64 sales, and that “joke” went on to be a wild success, spawning two even more successful sequels.

    I think with Shigeru in this position, we might finally see a >NEW< franchise with the impact of Super Smash Bros.

    • Matt

      I like your optimism. It makes me kinda excited to see what he does.

  • SmallTall

    :’(

  • randomguy

    Humble.

  • Free of Birth
  • http://youtube.com/user/superpaIkiagalaxy SPG

    well, it looks like nintndo will go bankrupted

    • tanus

      The term is “bankrupt”, they may do just that without his guidance..

  • Mr Koopah

    FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Mr Guy

    Well this sucks…….

  • Zack

    Whhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttt???????????????????? Mr. Miyamoto no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! D: He’s not THAT old, is he?

    • http://This_is_not_a_real_website Username

      He is 59 years old.

    • Free of Birth

      He wouldn’t leave because of his age..unless he say he is but he’s not.

    • trashcan

      59???!!! Impossible!!! that means he’s older
      than my daaaaaaaaaaad!!!

  • Littlebigmelody

    I bet Miyamoto will still “supervise”, as in “make sure they don’t fuck up”, Mario, Zelda, and other of his creations. I’d personally like to see something new from him. He is the heart and soul of Nintendo, so I wouldn’t be surprised if his newest creation is beloved by many.

  • reggie fils-aime

    my body wasnt ready for this
    on the other hand though
    he didnt have almost anything to do with skyward sword or the 2 mario galaxy games
    besides this probably means he is going to create new ips

  • http://ww.youtube.com/user/theicedude545 icedude545

    aw ok. D= mario and zelda games better still be good XD

  • kct16

    ..No Pikmin3….NO PIKMIN 333333333333333!!!! D”X<

    • Daeshta

      ..Yes Pikmin3….YES PIKMIN 333333333333333!!!! :D

      But seriously, it’s still happening. I’ve heard the project is proceeding apace, so it will most likely come out, even without his involvement. And from the quote, it seems like he is only “retiring” from the bigger franchises, Pikmin should be okay.

  • Muramasa

    Nooo…! Oh, well, I hope he creates some awesome new franchises in his “retirement”.

  • John

    I’m having an incredibly hard time wrapping my head around this.

  • Popo

    Good decision Mr. Miyamoto..
    Now Nintendo can focus on new titles,Original titles.

  • Kayriss

    …As long as somebody keeps spiting out Mario and Zelda games I’ll be fine.

  • http://gravatar.com/jacknzack27 JacknZack

    I can see it now
    *10 years latter* “we at nintendo are sad that Mr.Miyamoto couldnt help on this game but we are glad to announce Call of Super Mario. Hundreds of guns to use and all the m rated bloody gore you could ask for!”

    That would be horrible!

    • HADUKEN!!!

      God if that happen it would be like nintendo tear up in many little piecies my childhood and then b*chslap me god please dont let this happen

  • FlyGuy95

    phew… I thought he was retiring for good!
    This is nice to hear, because that man is known for making quality products… I can’t wait to hear about that 2012 title, either!

  • OMG IT’S METALGEAR!

    i’m glad i really cant wait to see what else he’s got to give.
    think about it guys and girls he is a really good story teller and and creator. so i think this will be a good idea.
    he can work on new and fresh ideas, i can not wait for new original games from him. Nintendo hopefully fill get some new faces. not to say to give Mario and the crew the boot. but a nice rest for a bit.

  • Game Over

    :(

  • DOOMguru

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT Bet you thought i said NO?

  • MrPokeyLope

    This doesn’t seem that bad, at least he’ll still be around if the new mario/zelda devs need advice and we get to see an original Miyamoto game coming out. If he no longer presents in E3 tho, I’ll be sad…

  • Matt Eriks

    What about Link to the Past 3d????

  • Matt

    I just realized… what’s gonna happen with Nintendo’s systems in the future? Miyamoto was a big part of creating Nintendo’s consoles. What’ll happen after 3DS and WiiU?

    • Lunchbox

      Hes still there. im pretty sure they’ll ask for his input and/or invole him in the developmentof hardware in some way or another. just like they’ll do for future mario and zelda tittles

    • SparktehFox

      Miyamoto stepped aside on the development of the Wii U. He wants to let the newer generation to become a driving force.

  • Han Solo

    Could be worse… but still sad. Hopefully we get really awesome small titles (Or small titles that grow and become big titles).

    • Travis

      Yeah I don’t know if I want them to be too small of projects, but some cool stuff could come from this.

  • nintendope

    So much for working on Zelda Wii U. It is also strange that Notch retried from his main spot and will be working on small porjects :S

  • Travis

    wow…

  • http://www.gamesradar.com GameManiac

    When I saw the words “Miyamoto” and “retire” utilized in the same sentence, I thought this would be bad news.

    Thankfully, I read the whole article, and my skepticism faded away.

    • Daeshta

      Yeah I know, I almost hyperventilated when I saw the title, but this may actually turn out to be a good thing.

  • Soeroah

    He’s not retiring, he’s going back to the way he was when Donkey Kong, Zelda and Mario were first created.

    This could even create a new golden age for Nintendo.

  • kenneth

    Nintendo without him? hmmm i dont see how it could be good? though you still got kicking ass and taking names guy so ……maybe it will be ok.

  • Mr Emcee ClapYoHandz

    this is a good thing in my opinion. when reading previous articles, i found out Mr Moto was holding back quite a bit. He also didn’t aprove of many cool features/ideas in games. He was always about targeting non-gamers w/ new things instead of targeting gamers w/ what they want. I’m glad he’s stepping down. The small games he made such as Wii Fit and Steel Diver are great for what they are and i hope he continues to make more great small projects. Now to just see who takes his spot and what decisions he makes.

  • Mr Emcee ClapYoHandz

    or he wants to step down b4 the Wii U bombs and he’s responsible for it. lol. no, Wii U is gonna be great

  • http://thegamegizmo.com blacKnight

    This is very good, instead of giving suggestions to games and approving them, now, he will be able to create his own again, “The Miyamoto Style”…

    • Myx

      YES!! FINALLY!!
      The first step into the right direction. For the first time in a long time i am thrilled about Nintendo-news. Maybe the times will get better now!! Best X-mas present ever.

  • Omarsonic9

    Great.. Now dsiwares and 3dswares will be better?
    But.. MARIO AND ZELDA…

    Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooot that bad

    • DOOMguru

      Read my post didn’t you? lol I don’t care

    • Omarsonic9

      @DOOMguru

      LOL no i didnt

  • Lunchbox

    I’m almost certain that Zelda, Mario, and other post Miyamoto developers will still ask for his opinion since they’ll be in the same offices or department. So its not like he’ll let Nintendo make a crappy Zelda or Mario. Which i doubt would ever happen since most devs. at Nintendo have worked with and know the standards that Miyamoto has set for games.

  • Tyler

    When I first saw this I was shocked I just hope that he doesnt stop the mario, zelda, bigger titles etc for good I hope he will at least be a little bit involved in those games in the future after all he did create them But I am excited to see what he will have in store for us when he said he wanted to make himself by himself :)

  • Callum

    Not to be a pessimist.. But here’s hoping this isn’t another Steve Jobs O.o Anyway, I wish Miyamoto-sama all the best for the future :D

    • warioTime

      what are u reading!??? hes not going anywhere!!!! SORRY I HATTE STUPID PPL

    • Callum

      @warioTime I never said he was going anywhere. I wished him all the best for the future-working on new IPs (hopefully). Ironic that you’re the one who misspelled words and misinterpreted my statement, making you seem a LOT more stupid than me. Anyway, who cares, he’s not leaving :D

  • http://en.gravatar.com/miiworld2 miiworld2

    Didn’t I already mention that bad news before?
    Where were y’all?

    • http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/16a07c1e06c4010a42f31cc4d1a0702d.png ABEzilla116

      Its not bad news. Its actually good news.
      Also you have to consider that not everyone reads your comments… >.>

  • http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/16a07c1e06c4010a42f31cc4d1a0702d.png ABEzilla116

    In reality, All Miyamoto’s been doing is overseeing production on games, not really “making” them. In my opinion this is a very good thing for Nintendo. To have One of their greatest innovators back to making games would be awesome and a very good thing for Nintendo. I don’t know about you guys but I’d love to play a Pikmin 3Ds!

  • Master Swordsman

    I think what this means is he will no longer be the “general producer” who is in charge of like 5 games at the same times and oversees their development. Now, i think he will take the role as a producer once again and be more deeply involved in the development of a certain game. And who says that can’t be a new Zelda, he already said he wants to be personally in charge for zelda wii U?

  • gizmo

    This is actually pretty exciting, when you think about it; Miyamoto-san is a creative genius and the prospect of him working on different, smaller titles, presumably new IPs, is pretty awesome. While Mario and Zelda are great and always will be, there’s no denying that the big N could use a healthy dose of originality, and that seems to be Miyamoto’s new goal; I have no doubt that whatever the man makes will be amazing. Good luck, Shiggy! We love you!

  • S.F.Rizzi

    i hope he pulls a favre

  • Trulaw

    It had to happen eventually, but I would have liked to see him do one epic Wii U game first.

  • Wun Wun

    To me, I think that he would still do mario and zelda and other big titles, but he would focus more on the game development itself.

    • warioTime

      lol im not sure if these ppl read wat we read they just looked at retire and stopped reading.

  • warioTime

    you ppl need to learn how to understand what you are reading lol. To me this sounds awsome cuz he wants to be a developer again not just a supervisor giving opinions. I know thts not all he does but wat he wants is to be 100% developer again

  • Riku
    • http://www.facebook.com/fakkershuga Shuga

      Yup i was about to post this, so i can go to sleep noww lmao
      dammit miyamoto, dont do that again u.u

  • http://www.youtube.com/user/TheHasaanM hasaan

    sorry about posting a link but – http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/121/1214255p1.html – he’s not stepping down, read the article before you make assumptions

    • Dragoon

      Glad someone posted that.

  • Castle

    ;(

  • :3XDS !

    i worry. what will happen to mario and zelda?

  • bouncer0304

    Sad to hear but at least he’s not finishing altogether. I do get the feeling though that he’ll still have some say in a lot of games.
    It’s not a major shock though as he’s getting older so i think it’s wise for him to slow down and i’m sure he’s bringing us a generation of fantastic game designers, taught by one of the greatest men of gaming.

  • readyletgo

    So, this I think, is good news for Nintendo!

    Sure he will be missed in the big franchises, but someone new will step in and give mario, zelda, metroid and all the others a breath of fresh air, change(change is good!).

    Where as Miyamoto will now get to work on smaller games himself that he couldnt work on over the past 10/20 years that just didnt work but could work on the eshop or something. I’d say he has a finger or two in the next games but that will be his last.

    Good for Nintendo! Good for Miyamoto! as I see it!

  • infernoflash
    • Metafaniel

      Useful link to read and stay somewhat calm!

  • Lia

    GAIZ. CALM YO’ TATS. He’s not retiring. He’s just working on other new games. We might even get a new awesome Nintendo IP, which many of us have been asking for for a while now.
    So I’ll be looking forward to what he’ll be doing now that he’s going to be really making games again, and trust that the Mario and Zelda or whatever teams are capable of handling the creation of those franchises’ future games without him.

  • http://macromanjr.blogspot.com/ Brian Lockett

    *Sniff*

    Thanks for all the years as the big dog, Miyamoto-sama! You’re my favorite game designer ever, my #1 inspiration in game development, and just how to be a cool dude at 59!

    Thanks for everything you’ve done for the us in the world of gaming with your ambitious projects! Without you or those undertakings you’ve given us over the years, gaming would not be the art form or success it is today.

    Though, I’m now looking forward to your smaller projects! :D

    • readyletgo

      Jesus! He’s 59!!!

      Looks about 40 odd!

  • bananaman

    =`(

  • bananaman

    =(