Nintendo has released the concluding segment of its 'Ask the Developer' interview series, this time focusing on insights from the team behind Pikmin 4, the latest installment in the acclaimed real-time strategy series available on Nintendo Switch.
This comprehensive interview features legendary Nintendo creator Shigeru Miyamoto, who reflects on Pikmin’s unique place within Nintendo’s extensive library and shares his perspective on what makes the franchise stand out globally.
Pikmin 4, which launched on July 21, 2023, marks the continuation of a beloved series that originated on the Nintendo GameCube.
Developed by Nintendo's renowned teams, the franchise has become known for its charming characters, inventive gameplay, and broad appeal across a worldwide audience.
As Nintendo celebrates over two decades of Pikmin games, Miyamoto’s comments provide meaningful context for the continued success and evolution of these titles. In the final interview, Miyamoto shared that, from his point of view, Pikmin are 'Nintendo's most global characters.' He emphasized his vision for Pikmin as creatures who could plausibly exist in the everyday world, not just within the boundaries of fantasy.
Miyamoto explained, "I’ve said for a long time that what distinguishes Pikmin from other Nintendo characters is their presence as beings you might imagine living on Earth, not confined by age or nationality.
Unlike Mario, whose origins and universe are clearly established, Pikmin have a universal and accessible identity, making them stand out across different cultures." Since the launch of promotional campaigns for the series over a decade ago, Nintendo has aimed to instill the idea that 'Pikmin are all around us.' Miyamoto highlighted that this guiding message has helped reinforce the creatures’ global appeal, noting that public recognition of Pikmin continues to rise as the series gains new fans on platforms like Nintendo Switch and through mobile titles such as Pikmin Bloom. Notably, Miyamoto also remarked that video games are just one world where Pikmin exist, referencing their appearances at Super Nintendo World theme park attractions and a subtle nod to cameos such as in The Super Mario Bros.
Movie.
These cross-media integrations reflect Nintendo’s ongoing strategy to expand its characters’ presence beyond gaming, ensuring their relevance and visibility on a global stage. The interview also features insights from other members of the Pikmin 4 development team, including sound director Mitsuhiro Kida, who discussed the efforts made to enhance the creatures’ sense of life and personality through audio design.
Team members touched on the game's ability to evoke nostalgia, encourage family interaction, and create memorable shared experiences, core values that have consistently defined the Pikmin brand. With Pikmin 4 now available on the Nintendo Switch and accessible through the Nintendo eShop, the series is poised to reach a new generation of players worldwide.
Miyamoto’s reflections underscore why Pikmin has grown into a truly international franchise, further cementing its legacy within Nintendo’s iconic portfolio.
This comprehensive interview features legendary Nintendo creator Shigeru Miyamoto, who reflects on Pikmin’s unique place within Nintendo’s extensive library and shares his perspective on what makes the franchise stand out globally.
Pikmin 4, which launched on July 21, 2023, marks the continuation of a beloved series that originated on the Nintendo GameCube.
Developed by Nintendo's renowned teams, the franchise has become known for its charming characters, inventive gameplay, and broad appeal across a worldwide audience.
As Nintendo celebrates over two decades of Pikmin games, Miyamoto’s comments provide meaningful context for the continued success and evolution of these titles. In the final interview, Miyamoto shared that, from his point of view, Pikmin are 'Nintendo's most global characters.' He emphasized his vision for Pikmin as creatures who could plausibly exist in the everyday world, not just within the boundaries of fantasy.
Miyamoto explained, "I’ve said for a long time that what distinguishes Pikmin from other Nintendo characters is their presence as beings you might imagine living on Earth, not confined by age or nationality.
Unlike Mario, whose origins and universe are clearly established, Pikmin have a universal and accessible identity, making them stand out across different cultures." Since the launch of promotional campaigns for the series over a decade ago, Nintendo has aimed to instill the idea that 'Pikmin are all around us.' Miyamoto highlighted that this guiding message has helped reinforce the creatures’ global appeal, noting that public recognition of Pikmin continues to rise as the series gains new fans on platforms like Nintendo Switch and through mobile titles such as Pikmin Bloom. Notably, Miyamoto also remarked that video games are just one world where Pikmin exist, referencing their appearances at Super Nintendo World theme park attractions and a subtle nod to cameos such as in The Super Mario Bros.
Movie.
These cross-media integrations reflect Nintendo’s ongoing strategy to expand its characters’ presence beyond gaming, ensuring their relevance and visibility on a global stage. The interview also features insights from other members of the Pikmin 4 development team, including sound director Mitsuhiro Kida, who discussed the efforts made to enhance the creatures’ sense of life and personality through audio design.
Team members touched on the game's ability to evoke nostalgia, encourage family interaction, and create memorable shared experiences, core values that have consistently defined the Pikmin brand. With Pikmin 4 now available on the Nintendo Switch and accessible through the Nintendo eShop, the series is poised to reach a new generation of players worldwide.
Miyamoto’s reflections underscore why Pikmin has grown into a truly international franchise, further cementing its legacy within Nintendo’s iconic portfolio.
