Smash Bros creator Masahiro Sakurai is not retired, still making games

The creator of Super Smash Bros and Kirby is still working on creating new games. Whilst many believed the iconic game developer had retired following the release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the developer wants fans to know he isn’t stopping anytime soon.

In the latest episode of his YouTube series Creating Games, Sakurai discussed his history of working in the games industry. The game developer discussed his past, reflecting on joining the industry at a young age and discussing his current activity in the space.

Sakurai told fans that he’s still actively working on games, but will also be working on his YouTube channel.

“As for me, I'm still creating games for the time being," the Smash Bros creator told fans. "But I'm also making this YouTube channel. I'd never done anything like this before starting out, so in a way, you could say I haven't exactly stayed put either."

To further fan speculation more, IGN reports that Sakurai coupled the YouTube video with an old gameplay video of the Super Smash Bros. series. Additionally, the creator has said in the past that he “can’t imagine a Smash Bros. title without” him.

However, the iconic game developer also explained that fans shouldn’t be sad when their favourite game developers depart the industry for new ventures. While iconic game developers do often come back – such as John Romero releasing new DOOM maps or Fallout creator Tim Cain coming back for The Outer Worlds 2 – they should instead attempt to support devs who find passions elsewhere.

“"Aside from those who reach retirement age, there are quite a few people who disappear from the game industry part way through their careers," Sakurai said. "Of course, for some of them it's simply unclear where they ended up. This isn't limited to the game industry, but if a creator you know does suddenly vanish without a trace please don't write them of as ‘washed up’ or ‘finished!’"

Masahiro Sakurai is expected to be working on the next entry in the Super Smash Bros. series for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. While there is a worry that the next game in the series won’t be able to match the sheer amount of content found in the most recent Ultimate entry, the quality of gameplay and, of course, graphics will undoubtedly make it brilliant to play.