I know what Miyamoto san means. I don't have the qualifications required to do the job I want, I am now at the mercy of a university. I need to get an NCTJ to become a journalist. What happened to the days of being able to turn up with a Notepad and pen and allowing your creative writing do the talking?

Hey Mr Link1983

I don't necessarily agree with what you've stated. I don't hold a journalism degree, but do consider myself to be a journalist and editor. I guess you just have to have the tenacity to want to make it work, and at the same time, have to use your own initiative so as to publicise your writings and (or) your blog so as to attain some sort of credibility as a journalist.

There are plenty of freelance writers out there who started out by just writing about what they were passionate about, and things started to materialise and come their way.

Most writers don't have english degrees. In fact, the only thing which an employer does look at (apart from your qualifications - and even that is to a small degree) is your porfolio. So get writing...

Anyway, you can take a look at my very own videogames magazine. It was done off my own back, and despite any formal qualifications (although I do have a degree in Cultural Studies with Philosophy), has enabled me to gain credibility and prestige within the industry. Take a look: http://issuu.com/prankster101/docs/re-play_november

Besides... It's debatable as to whether Nintendo are actually doing anything of interest nowadays which is able to appease the "hardcore" gamer.

You need to ask yourself: Do you really want to work for a company like Nintendo, when it is probably better in the long run for you to start your own games studio.

The cream always rises to the top. Remember that. Do what you do really well, and people will stop and take notice.

That's the way it has always been, and that is the way it will always be...

Oh dear. Naive idealism ftl. Does this re>play actually make any money?

Can you imagine being interviewed with Mr Miyamoto sitting there? It would be horrifying! :-)

No it wouldn't. I admit Miyamoto is one of the few 'famous' people I'd actually have an interest in meeting, his personality has become somewhat patterned on my own, seeing as how his many video game creations were a huge part of my formative years. I feel like it'd be like having a conversation with someone I have known for years, not counting the whole Japanese English barrier.

it's worth noting that miyamoto has consistently proven himself as being someone who is capable of delivering the goods. even if he didn't get a job with nintendo, he would still have been able to carve out a very respectable niche for himself, and sooner or later, every videogames comapny (including nintendo) would have come knocking.

maybe go the same route as jeff minter...

fao skarj: i'm not naive. i may not make as much money as future publishing et al, but neither did microsoft when they entered the gaming industry. if you knew anything about new startups, you would soon realise that most new businesses don't make any money for the first year.

the important thing is, i am now an EDITOR and PUBLISHER of my very own videogames magazine. whether you like it or not, i have a voice and i did this off my own back. i didn't rely on anyone, and nor did i engage in any baseless popularity contests in order to have my ideas funded.

but if you, or anyone else (who is part of the gaming community) thinks they can do better, then you can put your money where your mouth is and give it your best shot. let's see what you're REALLY capable of....