“Find out what you love to do and then figure out how to make money at it” is a well-known phrase for business success. One would think that designing games you love and making people the world over happy with your creations would give you a job you couldn’t wait to return to everyday—according to Keiji Inafune if you think that you’re wrong.
Keiji Inafune, Head of Research & Development and Online Business and Global Head of Production for Capcom is probably better known for being the character designer for a gaming icon: Mega Man. Despite all that success, when Inafune-san was asked if he loved his job and he had this to say:
“It’s the opposite. I hate it! I want to retire early and take it easy.”
Inafune-san explained further by stating that’s why he’s working so hard these days. He says if someone’s work is respected, things are much easier for them. They can take it slow, do a small bit on AAA title like Dead Rising and then get make a large salary. That isn’t Inafune’s view on the way it should be. He stated “There are loads of creators like that” and he added:
“But I’m not like that. If things are difficult while they are doing it, they can become a leader and a creator.”
Inafune takes his work seriously; it’s clear he wants to be the best. He also — if the translation is to be understood — absorbs what he sees and experiences around him to become better at what his craft. In the interview, he made reference to Peter Petrelli’s empathetic mimicry saying “I’ve got that ability.” From the diversity and success of his work it certainly sounds like he does.
