When it comes to video game development, Nintendo has a reputation for creating some of the finest games globally, thanks to its talented and dedicated in-house and partner developers. But how often do we get a glimpse into the minds of these creators?
Recently, we had the privilege of sitting down with the iconic artist, Takaya Imamura. Known for his work on Star Fox, Captain Falcon, F-Zero, and Majora’s Mask, Imamura-san spent over three decades at Nintendo, contributing to numerous beloved titles before departing in 2021 to explore new ventures. We jumped at the chance to chat with him.
Imamura-san is now returning to the gaming scene with his latest project, OMEGA 6: The Triangle Stars, an adventure inspired by his own manga. In this exclusive interview, we delve into his upcoming game, his experiences working on classics like Zelda, and the reasons behind his departure from Nintendo after such a long tenure.
Nintendo Life (Zion Grassl): Omega 6 bears resemblance to a classic Super Famicom game. How long have you been conceptualizing this project?
Takaya Imamura: The concept is relatively new. It stemmed from the manga. The game idea wasn’t initially present. I created the manga first, and the opportunity to develop a game based on it arose later.
Imamura Talks About Working Outside Nintendo and Game Development
Imamura shares his insights on his new venture and the differences in game development outside a corporate setting.
Life as a Teacher and Game Developer
Discover how Imamura balances his roles as a teacher and a renowned game developer.
Imamura provides an inside look at his inspiration for the art direction of OMEGA 6 and the unique character roster in the game.
Imamura Reflects on Leaving Nintendo
Imamura opens up about his decision to depart from Nintendo after many years, shedding light on the personal motivations behind his choice.
Imamura’s Fond Memories
Imamura shares his fond memories of working at Nintendo and the lasting connections he formed with his colleagues.
Creating Iconic Characters
Insights into Imamura’s creative process and the stories behind crafting iconic characters like Tingle and others.
Behind the Scenes of Majora’s Mask
Gain a glimpse into the fast-paced development of Majora’s Mask and some memorable moments experienced by Imamura during the process.
Omega 6 Manga Release
Details on the launch of the Omega 6 manga in English and the highly anticipated game release on the Nintendo Switch.
This interview has been edited for clarity and to respect the privacy of the interviewee.