Famed Nintendo developer Shigeru Miyamoto's hobbies often translate into new games -- and that's why, according to the UK Times, the company's "banned" him from discussing his hobbies in public, for fear they could spill clues on future Nintendo products.
The Times cites
unnamed sources at Nintendo about the ban -- however, it also credits him with originating the idea for
Brain Training, which is usually attributed to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata.
While Miyamoto has often cited childhood experiences as inspiring the likes of
Super Mario Bros. and
The Legend of Zelda, more recent titles have been attributed to his various hobbies.
Miyamoto’s keen interest in gardening was apparently a major inspiration for the
Pikmin series, while his love of music, particularly the banjo, has resulted in
Wii Music. Previously, Miyamoto has also suggested his experiences with family and friends have provided the inspiration for
Wii Fit and
Nintendogs.
Although Nintendo did reveal a number of new titles at the recent E3 expo, all of the key first party games were either sequels or previously announced titles. As such, and in keeping with its new policy of extended secrecy, the company has not announced any major titles for 2009 beyond
Wii Sports Resort in the spring.
