Furukawa foresees a future of lengthy and complex game development processes, implying upcoming strategic collaborations. With Nintendo’s statement that the Switch 2 will be released this year, fans’ excitement grows, but game development challenges remain

Nintendo president, Shuntaro Furukawa, predicts a future where game development at the company will become increasingly time-consuming and intricate. This outlook may disappoint fans eager for timely releases of beloved franchises like Mario and Zelda. However, Furukawa’s candid insights glimpse Nintendo’s direction as it gears up for the next console generation. In a recent interview with Japanese magazine Famitsu, Furukawa emphasized the growing complexity of video game development and hinted at possible mergers and acquisitions to address these challenges. 

This sentiment aligns with industry trends, with other gaming giants like Sony and Xbox acknowledging game development’s lengthier, costlier, and more complex nature. While questions mainly centered on the successor to the Switch, Furukawa emphasized the importance of nurturing personnel who grasp the essence of the brand, alongside potential avenues for growth such as mergers and acquisitions.

Shuntaro Furukawa has been grabbing attention lately with his revelations about the Switch and its upcoming successor. Recently, he confirmed via Twitter that Nintendo intends to formally unveil the Switch 2 sometime this fiscal year, exciting news for Nintendo enthusiasts. However, during the company’s latest earnings call, where Furukawa faced inquiries from investors and shareholders, he shared additional intriguing insights. 

Amidst these discussions, Furukawa expressed concerns about the future trajectory of both Nintendo and the gaming industry. He emphasized the inevitable lengthening, complexity, and sophistication of game development, suggesting mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as one potential solution. Nonetheless, Furukawa stressed the importance of cultivating personnel within the company who understand Nintendo’s brand, alongside the existing developers who have contributed to its success over the years. This commitment to internal development aligns with the company’s overarching strategy to safeguard and enhance the value of its intellectual property (IP) for sustained and unique entertainment offerings.

As the company gears up to release the next Switch before March 31, 2025, the company celebrates the remarkable global sales of 141.32 million units for the Switch. With forecasts projecting further sales growth, Nintendo remains active in releasing new titles for the Switch, including the upcoming Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, scheduled for release on July 18.