Masahiro Sakurai, acclaimed for his pioneering work on the Super Smash Bros.
and Kirby franchises for Nintendo, recently offered rare personal insights into his career and outlook during a wide-ranging interview.
Renowned for his significant contributions to the gaming industry—touching millions of players worldwide through classics like Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch and formative titles such as Kirby’s Dream Land—Sakurai continues to shape gaming with an approach that values humility and creative focus. A Reluctant Spotlight: Sakurai’s Humble Attitude Despite his status as one of Nintendo’s most recognizable figures, Masahiro Sakurai shared that he prefers keeping a low profile.
"I've always preferred to lead a quiet, unassuming life," he explained, echoing the modest demeanor that has characterized his career since he started at HAL Laboratory.
Rather than emphasizing personal fame, Sakurai revealed, "I make every effort to communicate the essence of my work, but I avoid drawing unnecessary attention to myself." This philosophy remains central, even as documentaries and, most recently, a manga based on his life have broadened public interest in his story.
On being approached about the manga adaptation, Sakurai recalled, "When I was contacted, my response was simply disbelief—something along the lines of 'Really?'" Focus on Game Creation, Not Celebrity Sakurai’s guiding principle—that games themselves should remain at the forefront—was also reiterated.
"Rather than focusing on who creates them, I feel it's best that people simply enjoy playing games," he commented.
This perspective has not only guided his approach to development at Nintendo but also contributed to the universal appeal of his titles across platforms, from the original Super Smash Bros.
on Nintendo 64 to Kirby Air Ride for the Nintendo GameCube. Nerves and Media Relations: The Kirby Air Ride Launch Discussing past releases, Sakurai touched on the moments leading up to the launch of Kirby Air Ride.
Despite the overwhelming attention his projects receive, Sakurai admitted to feeling anxious, sharing, "The possibility of becoming a laughing stock online was a real concern for me.
That’s why I often decline interview requests." This candid reflection underscores the pressure of high-profile game launches in today’s hyper-connected industry, even for veteran developers. Developer Legacy and Ongoing Impact With Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate becoming one of the fastest-selling titles on Nintendo Switch and the Kirby series retaining its enduring popularity, Sakurai’s understated approach to self-promotion has not diminished his achievements.
Instead, his focus on the craft—rather than the cult of personality—has resonated within Nintendo’s creative culture and among fans worldwide.
As the gaming world continues to celebrate Sakurai’s innovative work, his dedication to letting games speak for themselves remains a guiding light for the next generation of developers.
and Kirby franchises for Nintendo, recently offered rare personal insights into his career and outlook during a wide-ranging interview.
Renowned for his significant contributions to the gaming industry—touching millions of players worldwide through classics like Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch and formative titles such as Kirby’s Dream Land—Sakurai continues to shape gaming with an approach that values humility and creative focus. A Reluctant Spotlight: Sakurai’s Humble Attitude Despite his status as one of Nintendo’s most recognizable figures, Masahiro Sakurai shared that he prefers keeping a low profile.
"I've always preferred to lead a quiet, unassuming life," he explained, echoing the modest demeanor that has characterized his career since he started at HAL Laboratory.
Rather than emphasizing personal fame, Sakurai revealed, "I make every effort to communicate the essence of my work, but I avoid drawing unnecessary attention to myself." This philosophy remains central, even as documentaries and, most recently, a manga based on his life have broadened public interest in his story.
On being approached about the manga adaptation, Sakurai recalled, "When I was contacted, my response was simply disbelief—something along the lines of 'Really?'" Focus on Game Creation, Not Celebrity Sakurai’s guiding principle—that games themselves should remain at the forefront—was also reiterated.
"Rather than focusing on who creates them, I feel it's best that people simply enjoy playing games," he commented.
This perspective has not only guided his approach to development at Nintendo but also contributed to the universal appeal of his titles across platforms, from the original Super Smash Bros.
on Nintendo 64 to Kirby Air Ride for the Nintendo GameCube. Nerves and Media Relations: The Kirby Air Ride Launch Discussing past releases, Sakurai touched on the moments leading up to the launch of Kirby Air Ride.
Despite the overwhelming attention his projects receive, Sakurai admitted to feeling anxious, sharing, "The possibility of becoming a laughing stock online was a real concern for me.
That’s why I often decline interview requests." This candid reflection underscores the pressure of high-profile game launches in today’s hyper-connected industry, even for veteran developers. Developer Legacy and Ongoing Impact With Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate becoming one of the fastest-selling titles on Nintendo Switch and the Kirby series retaining its enduring popularity, Sakurai’s understated approach to self-promotion has not diminished his achievements.
Instead, his focus on the craft—rather than the cult of personality—has resonated within Nintendo’s creative culture and among fans worldwide.
As the gaming world continues to celebrate Sakurai’s innovative work, his dedication to letting games speak for themselves remains a guiding light for the next generation of developers.
