In an interview, game designer Shigeru Miyamoto stated that game development at Nintendo begins with the question of what makes gameplay fun, rather than analyzing successful competitor releases.
The reason Nintendo gets such strong support around the world is simple: we don't start with the question, "What's popular right now?" Instead, we think about who we're making it for. Who is the person putting in the money?
He criticized the industry's desire to primarily recoup budgets and celebrate short-term profits.
We've always focused on creating the best product that matches the "fun gameplay" we envisioned. If you're constantly thinking, "Will this make money right now?", you won't be able to create something truly unique or broadly appealing.
Miyamoto cited Pokémon Red and Green, which emerged from Satoshi Tajiri's childhood hobby of collecting insects, as an example, as well as Splatoon, which began with the idea of competing for territory using paint. According to him, trying to please everyone specifically often leads to the creation of bland games without their own unique idea.