Nintendo’s reliance on sequels and long-standing franchises has been questioned by fans in recent years, but a former developer suggests the approach is intentional.
In an interview with Bloomberg, former Nintendo software developer Ken Watanabe explained that the company only creates new intellectual properties when required by gameplay innovation.
“New franchises haven’t come out simply because there’s no real need to make them,” he said. “When Nintendo wants to do something new, it’s basically about the gameplay mechanics first — about creating a new way to play. As for the skin or the wrapper, they don’t really fuss over it. They just pick whatever fits that new gameplay best.”
This philosophy has been reflected in the company’s recent output. While the Nintendo Switch era introduced Splatoon in 2015 and ARMS in 2017, both with different levels of success, most upcoming titles for the Switch 2 centre on established characters such as Mario, Donkey Kong, and Kirby.
Splatoon itself was cited as an example of how gameplay can lead to the development of a new franchise. According to Watanabe, the game initially used familiar Nintendo characters, but the squid-like Inklings were later introduced as they better conveyed the mechanics without lengthy explanation.
The perspective aligns with comments from Shinichiro Tamaki, a former Nintendo hardware planner, who said the company prioritises clarity in player experience.
“Nintendo strongly believes communication with players should happen only through the product itself,” Tamaki explained.
The strategy suggests that Nintendo’s creation of new franchises will remain rare, with new IPs appearing only when gameplay demands it.
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