You may rise, Sir Shiggy
Eurogamer reports that masterful
game designer Shigeru Miyamoto is set to be awarded with a knighthood in the Order of Arts and Letters next week by the
French Minister of Culture. Though the ceremony will sadly be devoid of pompous accents, damsels in distress and
fire-breathing dragons, one can easily draw parallels between the crusades of a knight against an evil king and Mr.
Miyamoto's strive for innovation in a tough industry. But really, we just want to picture Shiggy running around in a
suit of armor and lopping off limbs (it's only a flesh wound). He'll be joined on the occasion, which marks a first for game designers, by Frederick Raynal (Alone in the Dark) and the disinctly awesome Michel Ancel (Rayman, Rayman 2, Beyond Good & Evil, King Kong). Though we'd prefer they be rewarded with large cash prizes and instant sequel greenlights, a fancy French knighthood is at least indicative of some well deserved recognition for this trio of extremely talented game designers. Seriously, play their games.
A further note of interest is that, unlike a British knighthood, the recipient of this award does not get to attach a regal "Sir" onto his name. That's quite a disappointment, what with "Sir Shiggy" having such a great ring to it. Are there any other game designers worthy of knighthood?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Garold @ Mar 9th 2006 7:22PM
Will Wright and Peter Molyneax
Gamer_Domeni @ Mar 9th 2006 10:27PM
YAY!!! (to the Monty Python reference!)
As for the knighting, congratulations Mr.Miyamoto, you have delighted millions, and I shall still address you with the title sir.
N8 @ Mar 9th 2006 11:06PM
Why wasn't Kojima there?
Brody Brooks @ Mar 10th 2006 12:21AM
I doubt Metal Gear Solid and Zone of The Enders were quite as pivotal icons in French culture like Mario, Link, Rayman, Jade, and the original scary computer game were.
Miranda @ Mar 10th 2006 12:26AM
That must be why one of the other dog owners in "Nintendogs" is named "Shiggy." :-) Must be a shout-out to this guy. Cool, a minor mystery has been solved.
HavaR @ Mar 17th 2006 5:13PM
Frederick Raynal isn't only known for Alone in the Dark. Apparently he's also responsible for the Little Big Adventure series plus Toy Commander and Toy Racer for the Dreamcast.