It's a big win for the gaming industry: Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of the monumental Mario and Zelda gaming franchise, topped the list of Time's 100 Most Influential People for the year 2008. Nintendo's Senior Managing Director scored about two million votes, towering over other nominees including the creators of the Rock Band (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii) and Guitar Hero games.

Miyamoto also towered over other popular personages including pop singer Rain, the winner of last year's round of Time 100 Most Influential online poll, by more than 300,000 votes, as well as rocker activist Bono, Vladimir Putin...and even the entire High School Musical Cast. Now, THAT's an achievement.

Hats off to you, Miyamoto-san!