Shigeru Miyamoto Says Generative AI Could Refocus Creative Work

Nintendo game designer Shigeru Miyamoto sees a potential benefit in generative AI: it could give creators more reason to consider what matters in their work.

Speaking at a press conference after his selection for Japan’s Order of Culture was announced, Miyamoto said AI could take on some of the work involved in making things. He described a distinction between creating something and carrying out tasks such as filling gaps or polishing a result.

Miyamoto said those tasks can be satisfying, but that satisfaction can lead people to mistake completed work for a good creation. If AI handles more of that work, he said, people will have more opportunities to think about what is truly important.

He also argued that human intent remains important. In his view, designs made through copying and pasting alone do not last; a person’s intention gives the work its direction, while computers can help carry it out. Miyamoto said AI might eventually do everything, but people would still have work to do.

The Order of Culture was established in 1937 and recognizes contributions to Japan’s cultural development. Miyamoto is the first person from the video game industry selected for the honor. The award is scheduled to be presented on November 3.