Will Wright talks admiration for Miyamoto, Molyneux and Meier

Maxis legend Will Wright has spoken about his admiration for three particular figures in the gaming world: Shigeru Miyamoto, Peter Molyneux and Sid Meier.

Speaking at the Game Horizon conference in Newcastle via an internet video link-up, Joystiq reports that Wright spoke about how he respects a lot designers, including many younger ones. Three in particular stand out to the creator of titles such as Sim City, The Sims and Spore, though - and they're three of the best-known names in gaming.

Wright cited Miyamoto as his first choice, praising the way he works to create new titles.

"He always takes the player first," Wright explained. "Right off the bat he works with the controller, what does it feel like, how tactile and kinesthetic is what he's working on. He works from the inside out: 'what is the first five second player experience?' So his games have this craftsmanship behind them that's amazing and unique."

Molyneux was praised for his risk-taking, while Wright likened himself to the Populous and Fable developer in that both have "this vicarious thing about dealing with little worlds full of little people."

Meier is someone Wright has worked directly with in the past on titles such as SimGolf, and it seems the Sims creator suffers as much from the 'one more turn' syndrome his games inspire as anybody else. "His games are just playable, they're just like a comfortable chair you sit in," Wright said.

Wright spoke at the conference yesterday about where he sees his own personal development efforts heading. Joystiq also has a few more choice quotes from him on the subject of inspirations if you're so inclined.