Masahiro Sakurai Urges Fans to Focus on Games, Not Developers: Insights from the Kirby Air Riders Creator
Masahiro Sakurai, the visionary mind behind some of Nintendo’s most celebrated franchises, has once again highlighted his commitment to the art of game development over personal recognition.
Best known for his innovative work on the Kirby and Super Smash Bros.
series, Sakurai continues to prioritize the player experience in his latest title, Kirby Air Riders, recently launched on the Nintendo Switch 2. In a candid conversation with Japanese gaming publication GameSpark, Sakurai commented on his approach to public exposure and personal fame, particularly following the release of a manga biography chronicling his distinguished career.
Despite his influential role within Nintendo’s creative leadership and his frequent appearances in Nintendo Direct presentations, Sakurai expressed a strong desire for the spotlight to remain firmly on the games themselves rather than their creators.
He explained that he seeks to maintain a low personal profile, preferring that audiences engage directly with his work: It is best for players to simply enjoy the games, rather than focusing on who developed them. Sakurai elaborated that, while he invests significant effort in communicating the design and features of his projects—apparent in the comprehensive Direct presentations dedicated to his games—he consciously avoids self-promotion.
He stated that declining frequent interview requests helps him avoid unnecessary attention and the risk of becoming the target of ridicule online.
Instead, he wants his work to speak for itself, encouraging fans and critics alike to judge his games on their own merits. In addition to his development work, Sakurai has built a reputation as an educator in the game industry through his widely acclaimed YouTube channel, “Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games.” Through this platform, he provides aspiring developers with in-depth, practical insights into the nuances of game design and industry best practices.
The channel’s impact and educational value have been recognized at the highest levels—Sakurai received the Cultural Affairs’ annual Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists, a significant honor in the Japanese creative arts community. Kirby Air Riders, Sakurai’s most recent project, hit the Nintendo Switch 2 to strong critical reception.
The high-octane racing title blends chaotic, fast-paced action with complex mechanics, offering both accessible fun for newcomers and rewarding depth for seasoned players.
In a recent review, it earned an impressive 8/10 score, praised for its vibrant energy and the strategic options available to dedicated racers. Sakurai’s steadfast focus on game quality and player experience over personal fame sets a powerful example in today’s gaming industry.
By encouraging fans to immerse themselves in the games without the filter of celebrity, he reaffirms his role as a humble yet influential figure whose true legacy lies in the worlds he creates for Nintendo’s platforms.
Best known for his innovative work on the Kirby and Super Smash Bros.
series, Sakurai continues to prioritize the player experience in his latest title, Kirby Air Riders, recently launched on the Nintendo Switch 2. In a candid conversation with Japanese gaming publication GameSpark, Sakurai commented on his approach to public exposure and personal fame, particularly following the release of a manga biography chronicling his distinguished career.
Despite his influential role within Nintendo’s creative leadership and his frequent appearances in Nintendo Direct presentations, Sakurai expressed a strong desire for the spotlight to remain firmly on the games themselves rather than their creators.
He explained that he seeks to maintain a low personal profile, preferring that audiences engage directly with his work: It is best for players to simply enjoy the games, rather than focusing on who developed them. Sakurai elaborated that, while he invests significant effort in communicating the design and features of his projects—apparent in the comprehensive Direct presentations dedicated to his games—he consciously avoids self-promotion.
He stated that declining frequent interview requests helps him avoid unnecessary attention and the risk of becoming the target of ridicule online.
Instead, he wants his work to speak for itself, encouraging fans and critics alike to judge his games on their own merits. In addition to his development work, Sakurai has built a reputation as an educator in the game industry through his widely acclaimed YouTube channel, “Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games.” Through this platform, he provides aspiring developers with in-depth, practical insights into the nuances of game design and industry best practices.
The channel’s impact and educational value have been recognized at the highest levels—Sakurai received the Cultural Affairs’ annual Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists, a significant honor in the Japanese creative arts community. Kirby Air Riders, Sakurai’s most recent project, hit the Nintendo Switch 2 to strong critical reception.
The high-octane racing title blends chaotic, fast-paced action with complex mechanics, offering both accessible fun for newcomers and rewarding depth for seasoned players.
In a recent review, it earned an impressive 8/10 score, praised for its vibrant energy and the strategic options available to dedicated racers. Sakurai’s steadfast focus on game quality and player experience over personal fame sets a powerful example in today’s gaming industry.
By encouraging fans to immerse themselves in the games without the filter of celebrity, he reaffirms his role as a humble yet influential figure whose true legacy lies in the worlds he creates for Nintendo’s platforms.
