Every year to mark Culture Day in Japan, the government—on behalf of the Emperor of Japan—honors people whose cultural contributions have had a major impact on shaping the national image of the country. This year, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto was recognized for his contributions to gaming. During a public press conference expressing his gratitude for receiving the honor (transcribed by Denfaminico Gamer ), the longtime developer reflected on the evolution of the games industry over the past 50 years, as well as the future of the industry as a result of AI.

“Video games are not a thing that can be developed alone, but are the result of groups of people coming together to create,” Miyamoto said at the ceremony, stating that he received the award as a “representative” of all the people he worked with to make his various games. “Especially recently, I’ve been working Universal Studios Japan on Super Nintendo World and with many people in different fields of work.…