The creator of Katamari Damacy, TAKAHASHI Keita, on... stuff:

Takahashi also noted the connection between Katamari Damacy and his sculpture education at art college. In particular, he looked back on his experiences in which he was forced to focus on the tactile rather than the visual, as well as the enjoyment he got from "being able to feel things with one's hands."

And it's so true -- KD really does put you right down in the environment, getting your hands (well, ball) dirty, rather than skating above it only interacting with selected items on your way to the boss chamber.

Also makes you wonder what kind of games we might get from someone who has a serious passion for dance (there are "dancing" games now, but they're mostly just music-centric rhythm games in disguise), or something even more specific like woodblock printing or calligraphy. (Which reminds me, I never did see Mojib Ribbon in stores anywhere.)