Masahiro Sakurai
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Smash Bros. director shares thoughts on originality in games, says “industry that loses its originality will ultimately just die a slow death”
Masahiro Sakurai, director of Super Smash Bros., believes originality has little impact on game sales, stating that an industry that loses its originality will eventually die. He announced the discontinuation of the Game Designers Award at the Japan Game Awards, which recognized creativity and innovation.
Smash Bros and Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai warns "an industry that loses its originality will simply die a slow death" as he retires his Game Designers Award after 16 years
Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Kirby and Super Smash Bros., announced the discontinuation of his Game Designers Award due to his inability to find a successor. He emphasized the critical importance of originality in the gaming industry, warning that a lack of it will lead to a slow death, especially as AAA budgets increase and lead to safer, less innovative titles.
Masahiro Sakurai Forced to Abandon Game Designers Award After 16 Years as He Can't Find a Successor
Masahiro Sakurai has announced that the Game Designers Award will not return to the Japan Game Awards. He revealed that he has been unable to find a suitable successor to take over the award's organization after 16 years.
Multiple Switch 2 Editions Were Announced Today, But One Big Exception Remains
Despite multiple games receiving enhanced 'Nintendo Switch 2 Editions' after the latest Nintendo Direct, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate remains conspicuously absent. This omission is puzzling, especially considering the game's sales success and the potential logistical and licensing hurdles that might be preventing an updated version.
New Super Smash Bros and Nintendogs games are on the way, according to prominent Nintendo leaker
A prominent Nintendo leaker, Malo932, has revealed potential upcoming titles including a new Super Smash Bros. game and the return of the Nintendogs series. The leaker also suggested remakes for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and new entries in Star Fox and Switch Sports franchises.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Gets An Update, But Not The One You Want
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate received a Ver. 13.0.5 patch that fixes online battle data issues, but it does not include any features for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, unlike recent updates for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Pikmin 3 Deluxe. Fans are disappointed by the lack of new content or Switch 2-specific enhancements for Ultimate, especially given that development for new content ceased in 2021.
ShackStream: Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness on The Stevetendo Show! Episode 734
The Stevetendo Show will feature a playthrough of Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness on The GameCube. The streamer plans to catch Shadow Pokemon and explore the Orre Region. Upcoming streams will also include The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Splatoon, with a potential playthrough of Super Mario Sunshine after its addition to the Nintendo Switch Online service.
"It's a massive failure": Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto slams short-term profit gains that have "burned through the talents of so many people"
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto criticized the focus on short-term profits and recouping investments in game development, stating it leads to a "massive failure" by burning through talent. He believes games that resonate most are created from fundamental ideas and unique concepts, rather than chasing market trends or immediate financial returns.
As the Famicom turns 43, Kirby and Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai says it's the console that had the…
Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Kirby and Super Smash Bros., celebrated the 43rd anniversary of the Family Computer (Famicom), stating it had the biggest impact on him as a game creator. Square Enix also marked the occasion, highlighting the Famicom's importance for the JRPG genre with the beginnings of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Sakurai emphasized the console's role in shaping the modern game industry.
Nintendo promises to keep "aiming for unique entertainment that only we could produce" as it shouts out its continued "originality" following recent fan vote
Nintendo has expressed gratitude after being voted the favorite developer by readers of Famitsu magazine. The company reaffirmed its commitment to producing unique entertainment and maintaining originality in its game development, referencing its history since the Famicom's release. Nintendo also acknowledged the positive reception of Mario and The Legend of Zelda series.
Super Smash Bros creator Masahiro Sakurai sometimes "sounds exactly like Goku," ex-Tekken boss says: "A Saiyan who genuinely believes he's just another ordinary human"
Former Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada compares Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai to a Dragon Ball Saiyan, noting Sakurai's seemingly effortless solutions to complex problems. Harada also briefly mentions Hidetaka Miyazaki and discusses Bandai Namco's collaboration with Sora Ltd. on the Super Smash Bros. series, particularly regarding the inclusion of Kazuya Mishima.
Katsuhiro Harada reveals his overall impression of Masahiro Sakurai
Former Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada shared his positive impression of fellow game developer Masahiro Sakurai, describing him as a down-to-earth individual. Harada noted that Sakurai would blend in easily at social gatherings.
Ori Dev CEO Says Xbox Was Too Focused On Protecting Its Legacy To Build Its Future
Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler believes Xbox's focus on legacy intellectual properties like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza hindered its ability to cultivate new talent and games. He suggests that Xbox should prioritize empowering creative individuals and teams who understand the gaming audience, rather than relying solely on nostalgia.
Japanese gamers vote on most influential game and series, favorite character, favorite developer, more
Famitsu magazine's 40th-anniversary survey of over 5,000 Japanese gamers revealed Nintendo as the favorite developer and Mario as the favorite character. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was highly recommended, while Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series dominated influence and sequel requests. Masahiro Sakurai was named favorite creator.
Famitsu: Masahiro Sakurai comes first in Favourite Game Creator category
Acclaimed game developer Masahiro Sakurai has been voted the Favourite Video Game Creator in a survey for Famitsu magazine's 40th anniversary. Sakurai expressed his gratitude, calling the honor beyond his worth.
Zach Aguilar Interview – Iconic VA Talks Demon Slayer, Smash Bros & More
Voice actor Zach Aguilar discusses his iconic roles as Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer and Byleth in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, as well as his work on Genshin Impact and Cookie Run: Kingdom. Aguilar also shares insights into the evolving voice acting industry, the challenges of keeping secrets for major game reveals, and offers advice for aspiring voice actors.
Smash Bros. Ultimate set an impossible standard. So what comes next?
Following the immense success of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, speculation is mounting about the direction of the next installment in the franchise, with rumors suggesting a potential 2027 release. While the game's massive roster set an unprecedented standard, discussions suggest future titles might need to focus on innovative gameplay mechanics and refined character designs rather than simply expanding the roster further.
Masahiro Sakurai Discusses Kirby Air Riders' Development Philosophy
Masahiro Sakurai shared insights into the development of Kirby Air Ride, detailing the design philosophy behind its Road Trip mode, narrative, and player-focused features. He explained how the Road Trip mode was added to increase single-player engagement through challenges and branching paths. Sakurai also discussed the unconventional narrative centered on machines, the design of unpredictable route characters, and the emphasis on accessibility and customization options for players.
Kirby Air Ride City Trial Map Considered for Kirby Air Riders’ Skyah
Nintendo Director Masahiro Sakurai revealed that the team considered bringing the City Trial map from Kirby Air Ride to Kirby Air Riders' Skyah mode. However, due to technical limitations and the significant cost and effort involved in adapting it for modern multiplayer features, it was ultimately not feasible. Sakurai also noted changes in the development process, with more people involved in balancing adjustments for Kirby Air Riders compared to the original Kirby Air Ride.
Tomodachi Life Living The Dream has seemingly leaked online
Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream, Nintendo's upcoming life-simulation game for the Nintendo Switch, has seemingly leaked online ahead of its April 16th release date. Photos of early copies have appeared on social media, indicating the game is already in the hands of some players. The article also references past leaks and related content for the Tomodachi series.
