The statement highlights a common challenge faced by creators in various fields: meeting the high expectations set by their previous work. It suggests that when people express satisfaction with an earlier piece, it can put significant pressure on the creator to surpass this perceived standard for subsequent creations.
On a deeper level, this quote reflects broader themes about creativity and public perception. It underscores how external validation can influence internal creative processes and impose constraints on originality and spontaneity. Additionally, it touches upon the subjective nature of art appreciation, where what is considered "the best" can vary widely among individuals. This highlights the difficulty in pleasing all audiences while also maintaining personal artistic integrity.
The quote originates from Yuji Horii, a renowned Japanese video game designer known for founding Square (now Square Enix) and creating iconic titles such as the Dragon Quest series. His insights into the creative process reflect his extensive experience in crafting beloved games that have set high standards for storytelling and gameplay mechanics across generations of players.