A quick love letter to Shigeru Miyamoto

As mentioned earlier on Infendo, today marks the 6oth birthday to one of video games most well-known designers, innovators, and true master of their craft. For the majority of the gaming populace, Shigeru Miyamoto’s creations (Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, Star Fox, etc.) helped shape what we as gamers have become today. We all know of his work, but anyone (hardcore gamer or not) who grew up during the 1980s is well aware of Miyamoto’s influence and how his philosophy ushered in a new era of game design. At one point, Time Magazine proclaimed him as the Steven Spielberg of video games, and the comparison still holds to this day.  Even though it is debated through history who or what is truly responsible for the growth of the video games after the industry crash of 1983, it can be said without Miyamoto’s childlike imagination and attention to detail that we wouldn’t have the privilege to call ourselves gamers and true kids at heart.

So, let us raise our health potions and 1-Ups, and wish the one and only, Shigeru Miyamoto, the happiest of birthdays. And last, but not least, a thank you…thank you for bringing in the heart and soul to the industry we know and love. We owe you big time.

Sincerely,

The video game community

[Writer’s Note] For a great biography on Shigeru Miyamoto, check out Nick Paumgarten’s New Yorker profile on Nintendo’s main man.

Harrison Milfeld is a writer, editor, and freelance journalist from Missouri. Ever since he could walk, Harrison has been an avid fan of the world of Nintendo. For years, he has purchased every one of the company's subsequent products (yes, including the Virtual Boy and eReader). It wasn't until he was a young teen when he bought a PS2 that he began to embrace cross-console relations, a decision he doesn't regret. When he's not gaming, Harrison is looking to break into the magazine journalism industry and realize his dream of becoming a features reporter.