Nintendo’s Future Depends on Talent, Not Just Popular IPs, Says Former Artist Takaya Imamura
Entry information
Published on: February 04, 2025
Description
In the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, Nintendo remains an iconic force, celebrated for a legacy that includes legendary franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong.
As one of the most innovative developers and hardware manufacturers, Nintendo’s ability to blend nostalgia with fresh ideas is frequently cited as a hallmark of its success.
However, Takaya Imamura, a former Nintendo artist renowned for his contributions to numerous hit titles, has voiced a cautionary perspective on the company’s reliance on established intellectual properties (IPs).
Imamura, who left Nintendo’s Japanese headquarters more than four years ago, recently published a reflective blog post entitled “Why I Left Nintendo.” In his post, Imamura explored his extensive career while also sharing insights into the company’s future direction.
He emphasized the significance of nurturing creative talent within Nintendo, arguing that attributing future success solely to existing popular IPs would be a misstep.
Summarizing his message, Imamura stated that although Nintendo continues to thrive thanks to its "many charismatic developers" responsible for its major hits, simply assuming that the presence of renowned franchises ensures continued success is a "big mistake." He underscored the necessity of recognizing and supporting the individuals whose ingenuity sustains and enhances the value of these beloved properties.
Throughout its storied history, Nintendo has continually reinvented its classic IPs with groundbreaking releases like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which debuted on the Nintendo Switch in 2017 and has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
The company has also launched original series such as Splatoon, introducing innovative gameplay to the eShop and capturing new audiences.
Hardware innovations—ranging from the motion controls of the Wii to the hybrid design of the Nintendo Switch—have further distinguished Nintendo from its industry peers.
At the heart of Nintendo’s creative legacy is Shigeru Miyamoto, often dubbed a legend within the games industry.
Miyamoto’s prolific contributions to titles such as Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and The Legend of Zelda have shaped not only Nintendo’s trajectory but also broader entertainment trends.
Imamura’s reflections serve as a timely reminder to the gaming community and industry insiders alike: while iconic Nintendo franchises continue to define generations of gamers, it is the vision, skill, and charisma of individual developers that safeguard the company’s future.
As Nintendo prepares for new hardware cycles and software innovations, the importance of fostering a culture that values creative talent alongside its celebrated IPs cannot be overstated.
