Masahiro Sakurai, the legendary game developer behind the Super Smash Bros. series, has been secretly working on his next project for over two years. This revelation came as a surprise to fans who were following his popular YouTube channel, “Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games.” In the final episode, Sakurai dropped the bombshell that he’d been developing a new game since April 2022, alongside creating content for his channel.
This news has sent ripples of excitement through the gaming community. Sakurai is a revered figure, known for his meticulous design philosophy and dedication to quality. His games, particularly the Super Smash Bros. series, are celebrated for their innovative gameplay, diverse character rosters, and meticulous balance.
A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
Sakurai offered some insights into the development timeline of his new game. He revealed that he wrote the initial proposal in July 2021, while finalizing the DLC for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The project was greenlit by October 2021, but assembling the right team took time, pushing the actual development start date to April 2022.
Interestingly, this unexpected gap between projects gave Sakurai a rare break. “Directors tend to stay involved in projects longer than anyone else,” Sakurai explained in his video. “As one job approaches the finish line, you’ll often be getting ready for the next one, so you never get to rest. Yet after all these years, by some miracle, my schedule was wide open for several months straight!” He used this time to launch his YouTube channel, a project he saw as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
What Could the Game Be?
Details about the game itself remain shrouded in mystery. Sakurai has been tight-lipped about its genre, platform, and even its title. Naturally, this has led to rampant speculation among fans.
- A new Super Smash Bros.? Given the series’ immense popularity, this is a possibility. However, Sakurai has often spoken about the challenges and pressures of developing Smash Bros. Would he really return to that demanding franchise so soon?
- A brand new IP? Perhaps Sakurai is exploring new creative avenues. He has expressed interest in various genres, and this could be his chance to develop something completely different.
- A revival of an older series? Sakurai has a history with Kirby and has also worked on titles like Kid Icarus: Uprising. Could he be revisiting one of these franchises?
My Personal Take
As a long-time fan of Sakurai’s work, I’m incredibly excited about this announcement. I remember playing Super Smash Bros. Melee for hours on end with friends, marveling at its intricate mechanics and the sheer joy of pitting Nintendo characters against each other. Sakurai’s games have a special kind of magic, and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us next. I’m particularly intrigued by the possibility of a new IP. It would be fascinating to see Sakurai’s creativity unleashed in a completely original setting.
Whatever the game may be, one thing is certain: with Masahiro Sakurai at the helm, it’s bound to be a unique and meticulously crafted experience. Hopefully, the official announcement will come sooner rather than later.
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