Shigeru Miyamoto
Creator of Mario and The Legend of Zelda
Quick Facts
- Born
- 1952, Sonobe, Japan
- Company
- Nintendo
- Nintendo founded
- 1977
- Industry
- Gaming
- Known for
- Creating Mario, Donkey Kong, and Zelda
- Joined Nintendo
- 1977, as an artist
- First big hit
- Donkey Kong (1981)
- Famous heroes
- Mario and Link
Early Life
Shigeru Miyamoto was born in 1952 in Sonobe, a small town in Japan. There weren't a lot of toys lying around, so he made his own and spent hours drawing whatever popped into his head.
What he really loved was getting outside. He'd wander the countryside near his home, climbing through fields and woods, poking around in caves to see where they went. He didn't know it yet, but that feeling of stepping into an unknown place and looking around would become the heart of his games.
Joining Nintendo
In 1977, Miyamoto got a job at Nintendo as an artist. Back then Nintendo wasn't the company kids know today. It had been around for a long time making playing cards and toys, and it was only starting to try its hand at video games.
That made him an unusual hire. Most people building games came from engineering, and here was a young guy who loved drawing and making things by hand. His job was to make the games look good and feel good to play, which turned out to matter a lot.
Creating Mario and Zelda
His first big break came in 1981 with an arcade game called Donkey Kong. It starred a little jumping character in a red hat and overalls. That character became Mario, and he went on to be one of the most famous faces in the world.
Miyamoto kept going. He built the Super Mario Bros. games, where running and jumping through colorful worlds felt great all on its own. Then he made The Legend of Zelda, a game about a boy named Link exploring a huge land full of secret caves and hidden paths. The same curiosity that pulled young Shigeru into the woods near Sonobe is what pulls players through Zelda.
People often say Miyamoto is one of the most important and best-loved video game designers who ever lived. A big reason is that his games feel fun to simply move around in, even before you reach any goal.
What Shigeru Teaches Us
Miyamoto didn't start out wanting to make video games. He started out as a kid who loved drawing, building toys, and exploring the world around him, and he carried all of that into his work.
His story shows that the things you love as a child can matter more than you think. Pay attention to what makes you curious. One day it might turn into something millions of people enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Mario?
Mario was created by Shigeru Miyamoto, a game designer at Nintendo. The character first appeared in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, then starred in the Super Mario Bros. series.
Who made The Legend of Zelda?
The Legend of Zelda was created by Shigeru Miyamoto at Nintendo. The game follows a hero named Link as he explores a large land full of secret caves and hidden paths, an idea inspired by Miyamoto's own childhood exploring.
Who is Shigeru Miyamoto?
Shigeru Miyamoto is a Japanese game designer at Nintendo, born in 1952. He created Mario, Donkey Kong, and The Legend of Zelda, and he's considered one of the most important and beloved video game designers ever.
Did Shigeru Miyamoto create Donkey Kong?
Yes. Miyamoto created Donkey Kong in 1981, and it became a big arcade hit. The game also introduced the jumping character in a red hat who became Mario.
Where is Shigeru Miyamoto from?
Shigeru Miyamoto is from Sonobe, a small town in Japan, where he was born in 1952. As a child he loved exploring the nearby countryside, caves, fields, and woods.
When did Shigeru Miyamoto join Nintendo?
Miyamoto joined Nintendo in 1977 as an artist. At the time, Nintendo was mostly known for playing cards and toys and was just beginning to make video games.
What games did Shigeru Miyamoto make?
Miyamoto created Donkey Kong, the Super Mario Bros. series, and The Legend of Zelda, among others. These are some of the most famous and best-loved video games ever made.
How was Mario created?
Mario started as the jumping hero in Miyamoto's 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong. He wore a red hat and overalls, and players liked him so much that he became Nintendo's star character in his own games.
What inspired The Legend of Zelda?
The Legend of Zelda was inspired by Miyamoto's childhood exploring the countryside around Sonobe. He loved finding caves and wandering through fields and woods, and he wanted players to feel that same thrill in the game.
Does Shigeru Miyamoto still work at Nintendo?
Yes. Miyamoto has worked at Nintendo since 1977 and remains one of its most important creators. He helps guide many of the company's games and characters.
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