Masahiro Sakurai confirmed that he is semi-retired during an interview about his newly launched YouTube channel.
The future of the Super Smash Bros. series has been uncertain for some time with director Masahiro Sakurai cannot rule out the possibility of a sequel.
He had suggested that before Super Smash Bros. Ultimate would be the last game in the series, which would make sense since it’s impossible to imagine how it could ever be topped.
Not too long ago, Sakurai launched his own YouTube channel where he makes videos about everything involved in game design and production, as well as talking about his own experiences.
In a recent interview about his new project, he talked about the behind-the-scenes of making these videos, which he revealed he shoots and edits for the most part himself.
At one point the director was asked if he has retired as he seems to be enjoying his new found free time.
Sakurai confirmed that by comparing his YouTube channel to “end-of-life” planning. Usually this phrase is used when a person has his affairs in order before passing away, although in Sakurai’s case it simply refers to the end of his career as a director.
“After all, I’m 52 years old,” Sakurai shared Denfamico Gameralso referring to his age.
He went on to explain that while working on the last two Super Smash Bros. titles, he spent nine years actively developing.
This made him worry that if he just kept making games full-time, his life would be “over” before he realized it.
Sakurai went to extraordinary lengths to make Super Mario Bros. Ultimate and revealed that he hooked up to an IV to continue working.
The principal also said that, like his column at Famitsu, there could be a point where his YouTube channel suddenly shuts down — though he wants it to be kept as an archive of his teachings.
Sakurai’s statements raise an even bigger question mark over whether Super Smash Bros. 6 will ever become a reality.
Replacing him won’t be easy for Nintendo either, as it has previously claimed that it tried to “leave it to someone else” but failed.
If that happens, it would mark the start of a new era for the series, though some fans are hoping he’ll still take on an advisory role or focus on smaller games.
Others also acknowledged Sakurai’s hard work over the years and expressed relief that he is taking a step back to enjoy life.
Damn it. If Smash 6 is in the works, he’s not directing it. I suppose that would emphasize even more that it’s the beginning of a new era.
I also suppose he could still be in an advisory role if only he were “semi” retired…
— Delzethin (@Delzethin) December 27, 2022
I hope this is only true insofar as he won’t be working on all-important high-stakes projects like Smash. I would still like to see him working on games with smaller stakes and hopefully less stress.
— Cryptic_TX55 (@Cryptic_TX55) December 27, 2022
I’m very happy that Masahiro Sakurai is taking a bit of a backseat to enjoy life at some point we all have to
— Scarlet Solstice (@RudyBlackman1) December 27, 2022
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