Goro Abe left Nintendo earlier in 2026 after more than 25 years and became a professor at Osaka Electro-Communication University. He told VGC that he chose teaching because he wanted to challenge himself with work he had never done before—not because he was done making games. He is still considering creative work with industry contacts, but has announced no new game or other specific project.
Why Goro Abe left Nintendo for teaching
Abe joined Nintendo in 1999, worked on games including Wario Land 4, and later became director of the WarioWare series. After more than 25 years at the company, he moved to Osaka Electro-Communication University, where he teaches game design and works on research into new game experiences through its Experimental Game Design Laboratory, according to VGC’s October 1, 2026 interview.
![WarioWare: Get it Together! [Nintendo Switch] (German Version)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51yzrghTsFL._SL160_.jpg)
Abe said he had been thinking about his age and career, and about how many more games he might have time to make. “Making games takes a lot of time, and I knew that based on my age and career that I could not make that many more games in the future,” he told VGC. “And I wanted to challenge myself to do other stuff. So I thought it would be interesting to do things that I had never done before, and that’s why I decided to go into teaching.”
That is a change in the kind of work he does, not a retirement announcement. Abe’s explanation centers on trying an unfamiliar role and taking a different perspective on games.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Over 200 mini-games as numerous as they are wacky
- For even more spice, play with Wario but also, for the first time, with his friends
- For the first time, play solo or in pairs in co-op in story mode
- Game modes galore for even more madness
How WarioWare informs his teaching
Abe said the short-form microgames of WarioWare give him a practical way to help students who are learning to make games. The series asks designers to communicate an idea through a very brief interaction; in his account, working within those constraints is useful when teaching game design.
His university role also puts him closer to players and to how younger people interact with games. “It’s very interesting for me to be closer to the players,” he said. Abe told VGC that leaving Nintendo has also helped him understand how other companies and developers think, including the indie scene.
Rank #2
![WarioWare: Get It Together! Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61MhOzE01aS._SL160_.jpg)
- The wacky WarioWare series comes to the Nintendo Switch system
- Take on over 200 microgames—lightning-fast minigames filled with frantic fun—solo or with friends*
- Play Story mode cooperative or try out the Variety Pack for comedic, competitive gameplay
- Choose a character and use their distinct abilities to complete microgames
- Redeem in-game currency and give items to characters to improve their stats
What Abe wants to explore next
Abe said he is thinking beyond the university and considering making new things with people he knows in the games industry. He is interested in creative work less bound by commercial profitability or specialized controllers, while also recognizing that commercial constraints can be a valuable part of creative thinking. His comments describe interests, not a confirmed plan.
He is also interested in experiences for people who do not necessarily identify as gamers, and in applying game design or gamification in other settings. “My approach is really about trying not necessarily to make games for gamers, but games for other people who don’t necessarily play games. I believe that a lot of people interact with games in general, not only gamers,” he told VGC.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Microgame mayhem comes to Nintendo Switch
- Wario is trying his luck at video games again, but this time he’s really getting into it – literally! Help Wario and friends play their way out of a microworld of microgames by taking on over 200 madcap microgames in WarioWare: Get It Together! for Nintendo Switch.
- Take on over 200 quick and quirky microgames – lightning-fast minigames filled with frantic fun – solo or with a friend! When his latest harebrained business scheme goes awry, Wario must use his signature style (and smell) to fix it. How By playing a twisted collection of microgames of course! From assembling a robot to pulling out a statue’s armpit hair, WarioWare: Get It Together! is a comedic, cooperative microgame mashup.
- Find a friendly frenzy with a mountain of microgames
- Help out infamous game designer, Wario, after he gets sucked into his latest creation in Story Mode. Go it alone or with a friend in 2-player co-operative play – a first for the series! You can either play on the same system or via local wireless..Play as Wario and his colourful crew.For the first time, YOU control Wario and friends inside their own chaotic games. Use their distinctly absurd abilities to take on a rush of microgames.
On the possibility of creative work with industry contacts, he said: “Yes, I’m thinking outside even the scope of my university right now,” and, “I’m already thinking of making new things with people from the industry and developers I know from the industry.” VGC reported that his university workload currently leaves him little time to develop games.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Has Goro Abe announced a new game?
No. In the VGC interview, Abe discussed ideas and potential creative partners, but did not name a game, studio, collaborator, platform, or release date. His comments leave open what form any future work might take, including whether it would be a game at all. The interview presents him as interested in creating new experiences, not as announcing a project.
Rank #4
VGC’s quotations here are from its English-language report. They are attributed to Abe as transcribed in that report.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
