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Shigeru Miyamoto says Nintendo needs to be "strict" when creating new characters, and even questioned if it would "be better to just use Mario" during Splatoon's development
Shigeru Miyamoto stated that Nintendo needs to be more proactive in creating new characters but must also be strict in judging their global appeal. He admitted that during Splatoon's development, there were discussions about using Mario instead of creating new characters, but the Inklings eventually proved viable on their own. Miyamoto also noted that he leaves new character creation to the younger generation, citing Pikmin as his last original concept from 25 years ago.