On my business card, I am a corporate president. In my mind, I am a game developer. But in my heart, I am a gamer.
Satoru IwataRead
We are producing something people can live without. But we need to keep thinking what would make our products a priority purchase even if they are not a necessity. If we stop doing that, no matter how successful Nintendo is at the moment, things will start going wrong in no time.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation and adaptation in business to remain relevant.
Satoru Iwata highlights the critical need for companies, particularly in the consumer goods sector, to consistently assess and enhance their offerings. Even if a product is not essential, companies must determine ways to make their products appealing enough to become prioritized purchases for consumers. This approach ensures long-term success and prevents stagnation in a competitive market.
In practice
During a business strategy meeting to emphasize the need for continuous improvement.
On my business card, I am a corporate president. In my mind, I am a game developer. But in my heart, I am a gamer.
If we don't take an approach that looks holistically at the form a video-game platform should take in the future, then we're not able to sustain Nintendo 10 years down the road.
I do not like to use the term 'Free-to-play.' I have come to realize that there is a degree of insincerity to consumers with this terminology, since so-called 'Free-to-play' should be referred to more accurately as 'Free-to-start.'
I always and strictly tell Nintendo employees never to use the term 'success' to describe our own performance.
Video games are meant to be just one thing: Fun! Fun for everyone.
If we reduce the number of employees for better short-term financial results, employee morale will decrease. I sincerely doubt employees who fear that they may be laid off will be able to develop software titles that could impress people around the world.
Exceptional people convert life's setbacks into future successes.
If you look historically, what creates growth and wealth is innovation and investment, and increase in scale - more customers.
Why should I stop working? If I do, I'll die and it'll all be finished. 'm lucky to work in the most perfect of conditions. I can do what I want in all kinds of areas. The expenses are not expenses. I would be stupid to stop that. Work is making a living out of being bored.
The only thing that could hurt me is if my success encouraged me to return to my childhood fantasies of omnipotence - but that is not likely to happen as long as I remain engaged in the financial markets, because they constantly remind me of my limitations.
The key to success is emotional stability.
A good reputation for yourself and your company is an invaluable asset not reflected in the balance sheets.
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