For nearly two years, Masahiro Sakurai, the legendary game designer behind Super Smash Bros., captivated fans with his YouTube channel, Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games. This channel provided a behind-the-scenes look at game design, industry insights, and personal anecdotes about his vast career. However, in June 2024, Sakurai announced that he had filmed his final video for the channel, setting the stage for a major shift in his career, including teasing a new game that has yet to be officially revealed.
The End of an Era: Sakurai’s YouTube Journey
Sakurai launched his YouTube channel in August 2022, following the completion of the final DLC for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The channel quickly became popular, offering unique insights into game design, development tips, and personal reflections. It wasn’t merely a platform for game promotion; it was an intimate window into the creative process from one of gaming’s most respected figures.
Over the course of nearly 200 videos, Sakurai shared stories about his experiences working on beloved franchises like Kirby and Super Smash Bros.. The channel wasn’t limited to just technical discussions. He provided detailed retrospectives on past games, including lesser-known titles like Kirby Air Ride and personal memories of working with industry luminaries such as the late Satoru Iwata, former president of Nintendo. One of his final episodes even included a heartfelt tribute to Iwata, highlighting the deep bond they shared (and how Iwata influenced Sakurai’s career at HAL Laboratory)
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.Despite its immense popularity, Sakurai always planned for his YouTube project to be finite. Earlier in 2024, he hinted at winding down the channel, stating that the effort and time required to produce high-quality videos had become overwhelming. He confirmed in mid-June that his final episode had been recorded, though it would not be released for some time
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.Why Is Sakurai Leaving YouTube?
Although no specific reasons were given for the channel’s closure, Sakurai’s decision appears to be linked to his next big project. In various interviews and statements, he expressed a desire to return to game development full-time. He also mentioned that keeping up with both YouTube production and his other commitments was increasingly difficult. Some fans have speculated that he could be working on the next Super Smash Bros. title, as every Nintendo console since 1999 has featured a new entry in the series
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.However, Sakurai himself has been more elusive about his next move. While the end of his YouTube channel might suggest a pivot back to development, he has teased the existence of a mystery new game, stirring speculation among fans. The exact details remain tightly under wraps, but reports indicate that this new project has been in the works since 2021
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. In an interview, he revealed that he had been approached to draft a proposal for a new game in mid-2021 and completed it with remarkable speed, with development supposedly starting in April 2022
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.What Comes Next: A New Game?
What Sakurai’s next project could be remains a hot topic of debate. The majority of speculation centers around a potential new Super Smash Bros. installment, given the franchise’s historical success and the fact that Bandai Namco reportedly began hiring for an unannounced title in late 2023 that sounds suspiciously like a Smash Bros. project
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. However, some fans believe that Sakurai could be working on something completely new, with some even hoping for an entirely original IP.
Sakurai has previously hinted that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate might be his final entry in the series, which has only further fueled speculation that he could be branching out beyond the franchises that defined his career
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. Given the secrecy surrounding the new game, fans will have to wait for an official announcement, but the fact that Sakurai is still involved in game development after hinting at semi-retirement has left many optimistic about what he has in store.
The Significance of Sakurai’s Work and YouTube Farewell
Sakurai’s departure from YouTube and the possible end of his involvement with Super Smash Bros. mark a significant transition in his career. For many fans, his YouTube channel was a rare opportunity to hear directly from the mind behind some of gaming’s biggest franchises. His videos were educational, thoughtful, and filled with passion, offering a rare insight into the life and work of a creative genius.
Reflecting on Sakurai’s legacy, it’s clear that his impact on the gaming industry goes far beyond the success of Super Smash Bros.. His meticulous approach to game design has influenced countless developers, and his philosophy of making games fun and accessible for everyone has resonated with players worldwide. By bringing this knowledge to his YouTube audience, Sakurai has not only cemented his legacy as a brilliant game designer but also as a mentor and educator for a new generation of developers.
In his final videos, Sakurai showed deep gratitude to the community of fans who have supported him over the years, expressing his appreciation for their dedication to both his games and his YouTube channel. He emphasized that while his regular uploads were coming to an end, the archive of videos would remain available for aspiring developers to learn from, a fitting conclusion for a series dedicated to teaching the art of game creation.
Fan Reactions and What the Future Holds
The response to Sakurai’s YouTube farewell has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans flooding social media to express their gratitude and admiration. While many were disappointed to see the channel come to an end, there’s excitement about what Sakurai’s next game could be. Speculation is rampant across Reddit and gaming forums, with fans guessing everything from a new Super Smash Bros. game to a completely new IP. As one Reddit user humorously put it, “Ultimate Deluxe for the next-gen Switch is a safe choice,” but others are hoping for something entirely unexpected
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.Regardless of what comes next, Sakurai’s legacy is secure. From Kirby to Super Smash Bros., his contributions to the gaming world are monumental. As he moves on from YouTube to focus on his next project, fans can only wait with anticipation for the next chapter in his remarkable career.
Conclusion
Masahiro Sakurai’s departure from YouTube marks the end of an era for his fans, but it also signals the beginning of something new and exciting. Whether it’s another installment in the Super Smash Bros. series or an entirely new game, there’s no doubt that whatever Sakurai works on next will be as innovative and enjoyable as the titles that made him a gaming icon. For now, fans are left to speculate, but one thing is certain: Sakurai’s work, both on and off YouTube, will continue to inspire gamers and developers alike for years to come.
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