Former Nintendo developer claims the company infrequently creates new intellectual properties due to a perceived lack of necessity, focusing instead on innovating gaming experiences rather than merely altering aesthetics.

Nintendo, the Japanese video game company known for its iconic characters and innovative gameplay, has been focusing on enhancing its games' mechanics rather than creating entirely new intellectual properties (IP), according to former software developer Ken Watanabe.

Watanabe, who worked at Nintendo for ten years, developing games such as Super Mario Wii, Pikmin 3, and Splatoon, made this statement to Bloomberg (paywalled). He believes that Nintendo doesn't create new franchises frequently because it doesn't need to, given its existing beloved IP.

This theory, while not providing insights into how Nintendo makes decisions regarding IP selection for new games, does make sense at a surface level. In recent years, Nintendo has been experimenting with its flagship franchises, using established IPs like Metroid (Metroid Prime 4) and creating innovative titles.

For instance, Donkey Kong Bananza, an experiment in destructible game worlds, physics, and non-linear exploration, demonstrates this approach. The choice of Donkey Kong for the game was based on his strength and suitability for the game's mechanics. Interestingly, it is theoretically possible to swap out Donkey Kong for another strong Nintendo character in the game.

Watanabe's theory also lends credence to the notion that Nintendo prioritizes gameplay mechanics over the IP's aesthetic. This trend of experimentation is not limited to specific franchises. Over time, Nintendo has shown a willingness to wildly diverge from IP conventions and experiment with different genres.

However, it's important to note that some first-party Nintendo games have specific and definable identities, such as side-scrolling Mario platformers and pre-Breath of the Wild Zelda games. Yet, Nintendo seems increasingly willing to experiment with different genres irrespective of franchise, which supports Watanabe's theory.

While Watanabe's statement offers an interesting perspective, it remains unclear how much insight he has into how Nintendo operates at a top level these days. Nonetheless, his theory provides a fascinating perspective on Nintendo's approach to game development, focusing on innovation and experimentation rather than constant IP creation.

As for the best Switch 2 games to play right now, that list has not been provided in the text. Regardless, with Nintendo's focus on gameplay innovation, fans can expect exciting new experiences in the future.

Former Nintendo developer claims the company infrequently creates new intellectual properties due to a perceived lack of necessity, focusing instead on innovating gaming experiences rather than merely altering aesthetics.