Miyamoto: “I must… make a new character.”

“It’s been nearly 10 years since I made the Pikmin character, so I feel this is the year where I must at long last make a new character.”

When Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Zelda, and so many other classic characters, talks, you listen.  And talk is just what he did, at Nintendo’s recent Shareholder’s Meeting in Japan.

Post E3, Miyamoto admits to having been extremely busy, particularly with readying Nintendo’s forthcoming 3DS.  Does that mean that the world’s greatest game designer has no energy left to focus on creating games?  Maybe not.

“I get more ideas when I’m busy, and with that meaning, this is an extremely good condition now.”

“Amongst the present promises, I have to finish Pikmin quickly, so production is progressing extremely well.”

Encouraging news.  Despite what was generally considered to be a stellar E3 for Nintendo this year, many (myself included) were disappointed by the lack of any new news on Pikmin 3.

Miyamoto also took a moment to discuss Nintendogs + Cats, which is in development for the 3DS, and which also made an appearance at this year’s E3.

“For Nintendogs, which we announced at E3, cats will appear this time. Recently, I’ve been taking care of cats. I’m often asked about my interests, but the CEO has told me to if possible not speak about this as the theme of my next game would be known externally. About one year back, I started talking about cats, and right according to schedule, it was announced. We’ll soon be completing Nintendogs + Cats, which features cats.”

As much fondness as I have for Nintendo, and as excited as I am to play Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Metroid: Other M, Donkey Kong Country Returns, and Kirby’s Epic Yarn, it is reassuring to know that the man chiefly responsible for the direction of Nintendo’s software development recognizes the need for some new characters.

Finally, for anyone worried that Miyamoto’s involvement in the actual creation of Nintendo’s games has waned in recent years, The Master lays it out:

“I’m still active on the development scene, so please look forward to [my output].”

You can count on it.

Okay, Ranters, time throw out some wild ideas — what kind of character would you like to see Miyamoto create next?  What kind of game would you like him to work on?

Source: Andriasang