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Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary designer behind Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, was recently named a recipient of the 2026 Order of Culture award by the Japanese government. During a press conference following the announcement, Miyamoto addressed the current industry-wide shift toward artificial intelligence and its impact on creative processes.
Miyamoto compared the rise of AI to the historical evolution of design tools like word processors. He noted that while technology once allowed people to easily copy and paste text or images, it eventually shifted the focus toward individual design sensibilities. He suggested that true creative ability emerges when technical barriers are removed, noting that tools often reveal hidden talents in unexpected places.
Regarding AI specifically, Miyamoto expressed concern that the satisfaction derived from using automated tools to build structures can lead creators to mistakenly believe they have produced something of high quality. He warned that works created simply by copying and pasting concepts lack longevity, questioning the lasting value of such output.
While Miyamoto acknowledged that AI can help lower barriers for new creators, he remains uncertain about the future influence of these technologies. Ultimately, he expressed hope that human intention will continue to serve as the core of the creative process, asserting that there is still significant potential for human-led innovation.
