Shigeru Miyamoto on Steven Spielberg, Disney comparisons

In a recent interview, Shigeru Miyamoto stated that he doesn’t like being compared to Steven Spielberg, but is “honored” by Disney comparisons.

Miyamoto has drawn various comparisons due to his creations and contributions in the gaming world for multiple decades. He ushered in Mario, one of the most recognizable characters and well-regarded franchises as well as other hits like The Legend of Zelda. Steven Spielberg has seen similar success within the film industry and has been behind many iconic films of his own.

When asked by GameSpot about comparisons to Spielberg and those who say that Nintendo is the Disney of the video game world, Miyamoto mentioned:

“As you said, I’ve also been called the Spielberg of the game world, but I actually don’t like that. I’m Miyamoto. Miyamoto is Miyamoto and Nintendo is Nintendo. However, I do feel very honored to be compared with Disney. But with that said, rather than comparing Nintendo to Disney, I feel that Disney to some extent, especially for families, [represents] a sense of reassurance for families.

I feel like Nintendo is well known for video games and usually video games don’t equate to reassurance very much. But Nintendo is associated with video games and the fact that Nintendo is then being compared to Disney really gives me the [confidence] that we’ve gotten to a point where we can bring Nintendo to the concept of reassurance and perhaps [give that] reassurance. So that’s something that I really feel like we were able to achieve and I’m happy about. And beyond that, I think it’s really up to Mr. Takashi and how he carries everything forward. And so why don’t you ask him.”