Dylan Cuthbert: Miyamoto focuses on Gameplay First, Story Second - News
by William D'Angelo , posted on 10 July 2012 / 6,545 Views
Q Games founder Dylan Cutherbert was asked who has inspired him the most in the industry in a Q&A on Facebook. He was quick to answer Shigeru Miyamoto. He said that Miyamoto focuses on gameplay first and then comes the story.
"I remember many years ago when I presented an idea for a game with elaborate concept art and a strong storyline to Miyamoto-san at Nintendo and he quickly rushed through the document and then said 'ok, and where’s the game?,'" said Cutherbert. "He then went onto a bit of a rant about how games should be made from a core concept and only vaguest of story concepts, and then once you find the core of the game you start layering on the story and the world, and he used Zelda as an example of this."
"Thinking back to Starfox too and it was similar; we developed the game without any sign of intrepid furry space explorers for the first 70% or so, and then suddenly POW!, 'let’s put a fox in the concept and make it a saga about his missing dad and the fight against Andross' and it sewed the game up nicely."
"So my advice is to always be creative; make your concepts, be imaginative, but remember that the game doesn’t make itself and you need to focus on the core gameplay as early as possible and even perhaps swap out the story later if you need to, or something doesn’t quite match up. For example, if you designed a character that was made to jump a lot but you discover your core gameplay is a ton more fun without the jump mechanic, then well… go with the fun every time."
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Miyamoto-san puts the game in video game.
There is a reason people keep coming back to Nintendo games, because they know how to make fun gameplay.
If they are interested only in gameplay they should play angry birds then, I heard that for some 100M persons it is a fun game, with fun gameplay.
Very interesting read. I personally wish Nintendo would put more emphasis on story as that's what often compels me to a game, but the gameplay mastering at Nintendo truly is one of a kind and also has its own replay value in a sense. It would be great to really see more of the best of both worlds. I personally find some games by Ubisoft Montreal, Sony Japan and Naughty Dog do that for me.
Oh, to clarify the Sony Japan one, not really in terms of story but in terms of atmosphere I find a game like SotC really does the trick.
Of course, in the SNES days we had Super Metroid, and the Zelda games had more relatable themes imho, but that was a while ago.
It sounds silly to say but I feel like Nintendo are almost masters of the gameplay aspect now, particularly in relation to certain franchises. I wouldn't mind seeing a slightly higher emphasis on story either.
Naughty Dog are best in class for my taste. I also really like Ubisoft Montreal. Why you put Sony Japan in that same category? Which of their games earn them that placement?
As it should be then. The most fun moments I've had in games have never come from stories.
"Dylan Cuthbert: Miyamoto focuses on Gameplay First, Story Second"
Wow! He has just discovered a new continent ! :P. Of course they put gameplay first. Nintendo games are always about gameplay, and this is how games are supposed to be. Create a gameplay and then create a good story over it.
I'd rather play a game with great gameplay than a great story. If I want a great story I'll read a book!
That´s true. The interesting thing is that a LOT of developers are more focused on story than on the game itself, so many, many games just feel the same. Great games are primaly made of great gameplay. Leave story to movies and books, where they fit better. (That´s not to say that games can have good stories, but that´s not the first pourpose of a game)
This kinda makes me think a lot of FPS are made this way now.
Captain Obvious : Miyamoto focuses on Gameplay First, Story Second
"I Say that the sky is blue!"
yay, so his next game will be Angry Birds 4. ¬_¬
I hope you're joking...
I wish Nintendo would do what they do but then add in really deep story lines. Could you imagine a mature HD Zelda? One with full voice acting (aside from Link), an extremely dark atmosphere, storyline and music? Where Links sword actually KILLS monsters and foes by going through their bodies, leaving behind blood? Something like that would be out of this world. But alas, it'll never be. They care too much about little Johnny and his innocence.
I played 100% of Skyward Sword with my 3 year olds watching and thoroughly enjoying. I wish more games delivered quality gameplay and emotions and didn't just assume violence is how you generate memorable gameplay or story.
