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Nintendo games have explored all these themes beautifully in the past. Miyamoto knows this, but he's being humble and also "staying on brand" as the master who focuses on fun and sees games as toys. This isn't just him simply being a company man though. https://twitter.com/NinEverything/status/1340692848497180677
Many creators prefer not to tell you the meaning or intention of their work directly. For someone like Shigeru Miyamoto it would feel embarrassing to say "yes we sought to create an artful game that would move you to tears." He would rather "do" than just "say." Talk is cheap!
Miyamoto's preference to keep his more personal feelings close to the vest is perhaps more common with creators of an older generation.
This stands in stark contrast with younger generations of game developers and marketers who are far more forthcoming about their intention to create art and make you feel feelings.
Over time the way games are marketed has become a lot more serious. Game marketing has always heaped accolades on the game in question, but in the last 12 years there's been more focus on making the consumer feel smart. There's more identity and ego to it.
For a legend like Shigeru Miyamoto it would feel very silly for him to try and convince you that games are art and his games will give you feelings. He already knows that, he probably doesn't want to say it because it would feel immature.
There's also cultural tendencies at play. Speaking broadly Americans tend to be boastful while Japanese tend to discourage bragging. There are tons of exceptions to the rule of course! But please keep this in mind when you hear something self depricating from a Japanese creator
Sometimes I see notable Japanese creators go "oh I didn't really think too deeply when creating my work haha." Often times THAT'S A GODDANG LIE. Creators pour their hearts into their work. But not all of them want to say that out loud. But fans often take them at their word!
So please I implore you, think more critically and empathetically when you hear some splashy quote or headline about your favorite creator. Look past the spin other people try to put on it and try to see the actual intention behind it. Try to understand others please!
Clickbait: Nintendo doesn’t explore themes like sadness, loss, and grief
Nintendo:
Nintendo:
"No crying until the ending" is the best slogan I've ever heard for a "serious" work. It's outright telling you "we will make you cry" but it's worded so PERFECTLY with such confidence and grace that it earns that self-serious sentiment. It's a slogan AND proof of concept!
Anyway thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this thread, please check out my website ( http://www.Art-Eater.com ) and be sure to follow me, the smartest and humblest games commentator on Twitter. Thank you.
https://art-eater.com/articles/the-historical-inspirations-behind-sekiro-pt-1
https://art-eater.com/articles/the-historical-inspirations-behind-sekiro-pt-1
Further thoughts...
I should not have chosen Mario Galaxy as the example here. While Rosalina's story directly deals with loss, Miyamoto wasn't happy with how it was conveyed through cutscenes. I think his issue was with the execution not the content tho! https://twitter.com/Richmond_Lee/status/1341037285739905024?s=19
I should not have chosen Mario Galaxy as the example here. While Rosalina's story directly deals with loss, Miyamoto wasn't happy with how it was conveyed through cutscenes. I think his issue was with the execution not the content tho! https://twitter.com/Richmond_Lee/status/1341037285739905024?s=19
A better example is Chibi Robo, developed by Skip LTD and published by Nintendo with Shigeru Miyamoto as producer. It's literally a game about performing emotional labor for a family that is slowly falling apart.
Chibi Robo was originally going to be published by Bandai, but they put it on indefinite hold. Nintendo picked it up after Shigeru Miyamoto showed interest in the game and specifically the character.
Chibi Robo was originally a point and click adventure. Shigeru Miyamoto suggested they change the core gameplay to be more active, having the player directly control (and BE) Chibi Robo rather than give him commands.
By changing the gameplay, the story and themes of Chibi Robo actually became even more impactful!
Chibi Robo is a cute platforming adventure game but it touches on some VERY HEAVY themes!
SPOILERS:
You are a robot owned by the Sanderson Family. You perform tasks for "Happy Points." Solving their problems drains your batteries. You work tirelessly, but eventually you're confronted with the very real possibility that their problems are way beyond your control.
You are a robot owned by the Sanderson Family. You perform tasks for "Happy Points." Solving their problems drains your batteries. You work tirelessly, but eventually you're confronted with the very real possibility that their problems are way beyond your control.
Chibi Robo deals with very real anxieties. The game is very much about loss and trauma and the desire for blame. And it hits harder because it's also a cute platformer. It does not say "look at me. I am a game about sadness. Call me art please."
