"Steven Spielberg. Vincent Van Gogh. David Bowie. A few examples of superstars in film directing, painting and music for which interest in and study of has yet to decline. Now, as game studies is becoming more of a mainstay in academia, there is a great need to uncover the masterminds behind the screen. Influential Video Game Designers is the first series to take seriously the role of the game designer, by profiling those who have shaped contemporary video gaming, and providing insights into the practice, history, and artistry of game design. You may never have heard of Shigeru Miyamoto, but his output is sure to stir in you feelings of nostalgia and contentment. Joining Nintendo in the late 1970s, Miyamoto was the creator of lasting game franchises, such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong, just to name a few. His being named in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2007 also proves his continued relevance in game design, game history and pop culture. Combining critical essays with interviews, bibliographies, and striking visuals, Shigeru Miyamoto launches this exciting new series, in order to provide gamers, industry professionals, and scholars with a history of the games they love and the design teams behind them, focusing on both the processes and products of game design."--