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Nintendo's fearsome CEO once called Shigeru Miyamoto in to ask if Tetris was any good, who said 'your secretaries and accountants are all playing at lunchtime and after work, and that's never happened before'
- Henk Rogers' memoir The Perfect Game—Tetris: From Russia With Love delves into his journey in the games industry and his role in bringing Tetris to the world, alongside its creator Alexey Pajitnov.
- Rogers' key partner in the early stages was Nintendo, thanks to his good relationship with Hiroshi Yamauchi, the company's influential president known for his strict business practices and emphasis on innovation.
- When Rogers needed help with Tetris orders for the NES, Yamauchi called in Shigeru Miyamoto, who confirmed the game's quality based on Nintendo employees playing it extensively.
- Yamauchi then instructed his team to put the Nintendo Seal of Approval on Tetris and increase orders, showcasing his impactful decision-making in the gaming industry.
- Despite Yamauchi's attempts to buy Tetris from Rogers, the latter refused, leading to the creation of Dr Mario as a competitive game, which Rogers found to be inferior to Tetris.
- Rogers shares insights on the challenges he faced and his interactions with key figures like Gunpei Yokoi, highlighting the competitive dynamics in the gaming business.
- Rogers humorously recounts his reactions to the situation and sheds light on the business strategies employed by Nintendo under Yamauchi's leadership.
- His memoir offers a glimpse into the early days of Tetris and the complexities of navigating the gaming industry, showcasing the fierce competition and quest for innovation.
- The original version of Tetris, as revealed by Rogers, was described as a 'survival game,' adding an interesting perspective to the game's evolution and success.
- Rogers' experiences with Tetris and Nintendo provide valuable insights into the strategic decisions and creative tensions that shaped the gaming landscape during that era.
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