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Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, has been focusing on his YouTube channel and considers himself "semi-retired" from game development since completing the extensive DLC run for the game. Despite the immense success of Smash Bros. Ultimate, selling over 31 million units, Sakurai remains uncertain about his involvement in future Smash Bros. titles.
In his recent YouTube video, Sakurai delves into the origin stories of Smash Bros. Brawl, the first entry he led development for as an external freelancer. He emphasized that he believes the series cannot continue without his input, acknowledging the rarity of an ongoing game series being handed over to a new team under a freelance director. He contemplates the potential for another Smash Bros. game and acknowledges that Nintendo will need to carefully consider how to approach it.
While Sakurai acknowledges the possibility of another Smash Bros. game, he expressed his strong attachment to the series and finds it difficult to envision a title without his involvement. He acknowledges that finding someone to lead the project is a challenge, and he feels a sense of responsibility, similar to how the late President Iwata felt when assembling the team for Smash Bros. Brawl.
Sakurai's work-life balance has been a topic of concern in the past, with him sharing stories of using an IV drip to continue working during Ultimate's development and pushing himself to avoid taking time off. He has made efforts to improve his working conditions and has implemented a principle of leaving the office by 10 PM to promote a healthier work-life balance.
While Sakurai's involvement in future Smash Bros. titles remains uncertain, he expresses his desire to continue working with Nintendo in any capacity possible. As the series is a significant title for Nintendo, it is likely that another installment will be developed at some point, but the company will need to carefully navigate the process.
