Nintendo Times: Volume 1
The Nintendo Times takes a look at some of the overlooked and unreported news from the always interesting world of Nintendo. This first edition brings word of Miyamoto's projects and of course much more.
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In a recent Famitsu column Masahiro Sakurai confirmed that a group of former SNK employees were hired into the HAL Laboratory sector of Nintendo Co., Ltd, and were the lead group in the Kirby: Labyrinth of the Mirror.
Sakurai also explained how Capcom subsidiary Flagship got involved in the project. Sakurai and Yoshiki Okamoto had discussions about a collaboration almost two years ago, and even though they have both resigned from their respective groups, the deal still went through. Flagship is writing the scenario and helping design the game. Sakurai is still overseeing the project even though he is not directly involved. Finally, Mr. Sakurai hints a contract with Nintendo may have been signed for a future project.
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In a recent interview with the Official Nintendo Magazine, Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that aside from his producer role on Pikmin 2, he is also working on two undisclosed titles that will hopefully be released by the end of the year. One thing that we do know is that Mr. Miyamoto is working closely on Super Mario 128 and a secret Nintendo DS title.
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The Animal Crossing development team has revealed to Famitsu that a sequel is in development and it's only a matter of time before it is officially announced.
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Nintendo announced Stage Debut during the E3 2003 show. The game is an evolution of a group of former Nintendo 64DD titles released under the Mario Artist series. Talent Maker, Polygon Maker, Paint Studio all combine with a plethora of new ideas to form the GameCube Stage Debut. Director Yoichi Yamada has been working on this title for two and a half years now. The game is going to be introduced down the line perhaps as a launch platform included with 1-2 new peripherals along with e-Card and GBA connectivity.
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Several Nintendo R&D big wigs have departed from the company over the past year. These untimely events are credited to retirement and opportunities with other developers. The biggest departure is courtesy of Masayuki Uemura, the original General Manager of the R&D2 team. Uemura oversaw the development of numerous proprietary technology development used in hardware and software for Nintendo. Uemura also produced several games like Marvelous, Golf, Sutte Hakun, Kirby Tilt' N Tumble, Soccer, Super Mario Bros. DX, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX, and others. Uemura has officially retired from Nintendo, and serves only as an advisor.
Nintendo of America also lost a few big producers like Andy Hieke and Scott Tsumura. Hieke was one of the big producers at NOA Treehouse and has worked on games like Ridge Racer 64, StarCraft 64, F1 World Grand Prix, Bionic Commando: Elite Forces, and Crystalis:DX. Scott K. Tsumura was formerly the president of Nintendo Software Technology Corporation, where he oversaw the development and management of all NST produced software. Both employees left Nintendo of America to pursue opportunities with other game development groups.