Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai recently revealed that he can’t imagine the popular fighting game franchise without him. This announcement marks a dramatic shift after years of speculation about who would take the helm of the series should Sakurai ever choose to step down.
Sakurai’s comments were made during an interview with Japanese gaming magazine, Famitsu. “I can’t really imagine a Smash Bros. title without me,” Sakurai told Famitsu. “It’s a series that I started a long time ago, and I’d like to finish what I started.”
The news comes as a welcome announcement by Smash Bros. fans, most of whom have hoped for years that Sakurai would remain a part of the franchise’s development. The series has flourished under his creative direction; first released in 1999, Sakurai has overseen the release of four additional titles, and the latest one, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS, was well-received by critics and fans alike.
Not only has Sakurai played a key role in the franchise’s design and development, but he has also become an icon of the game. His commitment to the franchise in hand-picking character selections and his considerable involvement in game’s promotions and marketing have only increased his prominence.
Given his very clear statement on the future of Smash Bros., it appears Masahiro Sakurai is committed to staying with the series as long as possible. Smash Bros. fans can rest assured that the creative force behind the series will remain the same for some time to come.