GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

Miyamoto worried over abundance of gun-focused games

Nintendo designer says ubiquity of gun-oriented games troubling for younger generation, claims digital media presents "difficulty" for parents.

421 Comments

Gun-focused games are some of the most commercially successful and widespread games in the industry, but they are not appreciated by all. Famous Nintendo designer Shigeru Miyamoto told IGN this week that he's concerned regarding the ubiquity of weapon-oriented games.

Miyamoto is worried too many gun games can be a bad thing.
Miyamoto is worried too many gun games can be a bad thing.

"Sometimes I get worried about the continued reliance on making games that are so centered around guns, and that there are so many of these games," he said. "I have a hard time imagining--particularly for young generations of gamers--how they sit down and play and interact with that."

Last week, Miyamoto said he wanted to make a first-person shooter, but noted he does not have enough time to do so. He explained that if he were to build a first-person shooter, it might be different in structure than typical FPS games, and perhaps not particularly violent. He said he was specifically enthused with the idea of a game that allows players to look around and fully explore a 3D space.

Miyamoto further explained that Nintendo remains committed to creating a "safe environment for kids," with special attention paid to the online space. The Mario and Zelda creator added that the rise of digital mediums like video games has created difficulties for parents.

"Previous forms of media, like books, made it easy for parents to know and understand what they’re buying for their children," he said. "With the transition into digital mediums it becomes more difficult for parents to have a full grasp of what's going on. From a game developer's standpoint it's important to take that into account."

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Join the conversation
There are 421 comments about this story