Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, known as the mastermind who created some of the world's most successful video game franchises such as Zelda, Mario and Donkey Kong, recently announced to the world that he was “retiring.”
However, there seems to be a lot of confusion regarding what he said, forcing Nintendo to send out an official statement in order to try to clear up any confusion.
So, is Mr. Miyamoto retiring, and what is happening to his position at Nintendo?
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According to an interview by Wired.com's Chris Kohler, Shigeru Miyamoto said (through his interpreter) that he had been recently declaring to people in his office that he was “going to retire.” With such plain and simple words, news of this alleged “retirement” set the internet ablaze, having video gaming fans all over the world believe that the creator of their beloved franchises was actually done with his work at Nintendo.
However, Nintendo was quick to make a response.
“This is absolutely not true,” Nintendo said to Reuters. “There seems to have been a misunderstanding. He has said all along that he wants to train the younger generation.”
According to the original Wired.com article, Miyamoto said that he was actually stepping down from current management position in order to take on a more involved role in the game design-making process: “”I'm not saying that I'm going to retire from game development
altogether. What I mean by retiring is retiring from my current
position.”
“What I really want to do is be in the forefront of game development once again myself,” Miyamoto he continues. “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.”
That's right, no need to worry here: “He has no intention of stepping down. Please do not be concerned.” Nintendo said.
Nintendo has made it clear that Mr. Miyamoto is not stepping down from his position at Nintendo, nor is he retiring. He isn't going anywhere any time soon, either. He once stated in a 2007 interview with Kotaku that he'd die before retirement, stating that filmmakers continue to make films until they die.
“Annually, I don't make that much money. So I don't think I can retire,” jokes Miyamoto.
