Nintendo is made up of all sorts of talented individuals, but one person who probably deserves a little more respect is Hidemaro Fujibayashi. He has been directing the series since 2001, and most recently was responsible for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
With that in mind, he is now featured in the seventh annual ‘Variety500’, which recognizes him as one of the most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry. Here’s what the website had to say about Fujibayashi and his involvement in the Zelda series over the years:
Hidemaro Fujibayashi – director, entertainment planning and development, group no. 3
It’s hard to find anyone more essential to the success of the Nintendo Switch than Fujibayashi, who is currently directing new major games for Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda” franchise, working alongside Eiji Aonuma, its longtime producer who has directed several flagship titles. Fujibayashi first worked on “Zelda” through several handheld games developed through Capcom, before joining the company to direct “Skyward Sword” for the Wii in 2011. Fujibayashi then took command of the March 2017 Switch title “Breath of the Wild” which was an instant success for both the game and the console. Six years later, “Tears of the Kingdom” did it again. With Nintendo’s first price tag reaching $70, the May release exceeded the expectations of critics and gamers alike, selling more than 10 million copies in the first three days. By the end of September, sales had reached nearly 20 million, making it the ninth best-selling Switch title since the console’s release, and “Tears of the Kingdom” later won Best Action and Adventure Game at the Game Awards.
2023 was probably one of the strongest years ever for Zelda, thanks to the release of Tears of the Kingdom on Switch. An infographic earlier this week highlighted how the title was one of the best-selling games in multiple regions this year and also one of the top-rated games of 2023.
The same title also won ‘Best Action/Adventure’ at The Game Awards as well as ‘Nintendo GOTY’ at the Golden Joystick Awards. Fujibayashi has previously worked on titles such as Breath of the Wild, so it’s safe to say that the Zelda series is in good hands under his guidance.
Other Nintendo employees on this year’s ‘Variety500’ list are also included. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa and Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser. Both of these Nintendo leaders were introduced in previous years.
