According to a report in The Times, sources have revealed that Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto has been banned from speaking publicly about his hobbies in order to stop rivals gaining an insight into the company’s product strategy.

Miyamoto’s passion for puzzles, exercise and gardening are said to have inspired blockbuster games Brain Training, Wii Fit and Pikmin, while his love of music is believed to be behind upcoming title Wii Music.

‘In short, the gaming and investment communities are wondering which of his current pastimes will be translated into a virtual rendition that will attract millions of sales five years from now,’ the Times article says.