IGN reports that Nintendo Senior Managing Director and EAD General Manager Shigeru Miyamoto was awarded the Jim Henson Celebration Honor.
The highest Henson Honor goes to an individual, organization or product that makes the world a better place by inspiring people to celebrate life. As the creator of some of the world’s best-known video games such as Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros. and the Zelda series (which have collectively sold more than 350 million copies), and the person who ultimately oversees every Nintendo game, Shigeru Miyamoto has reignited America’s love for gaming with the creation of Nintendo’s hugely popular Wii console. Taking the application of video games a giant step forward, Miyamoto recently developed the Wii Fit, dedicated to improving people’s physical health and well being. The game not only serves to entertain and give players a workout, it is also being used as a rehabilitation tool – known as “Wii-hab” – by physical and occupational therapists to help patients with balance, endurance and core strengthening.
The Jim Henson Honors acknowledge organizations, individuals or products that reflect the core values and philosophy of Jim Henson and the company he founded. Previous recepiants of the honor include author JK Rowling, former Vice President Al Gore, and British entrepreneur Richard Branson.
Congratulations, Shiggy!