Masahiro Sakurai, the mastermind behind the beloved Super Smash Bros. and Kirby series, recently shared his insightful thoughts in an interview with Entax, a Japanese media outlet. He emphasized that Japanese game developers should focus on creating games that appeal to their domestic audience, rather than trying to cater to Western tastes. According to Sakurai, this approach is rooted in the belief that Western players are often drawn to Japanese games because of their unique content and distinct cultural perspective, which sets them apart from games developed in the West.
Sakurai’s reasoning is straightforward: if Japanese games are already appreciated for their individuality, there’s no need for studios to adapt their style to suit Western preferences. He notes that, for a while now, Japan has been producing games in a more Americanized style, which has been well-received in the US. However, Sakurai thinks that foreign fans of Japanese games aren’t looking for a Westernized experience; instead, they’re seeking the unique charm and characteristics that Japanese games have to offer. As he puts it, “I think that ‘Japan-loving gamers’ abroad aren’t looking for those things, but rather something interesting and unique from Japanese games.”
Sakurai’s philosophy can be summed up as follows: creating games that resonate with your own vision and values is the key to success, as like-minded players will appreciate and enjoy them. He stressed, “I think it’s great to make games in a way that you like, and the people who accept it will have fun with it.” This approach has undoubtedly contributed to the enduring popularity of his own creations, which have become synonymous with Japanese gaming culture.
The interview was released shortly after Sakurai received the “Excellent Rookie Supporter” award from the Japanese government for his video series, “Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games,” which offers valuable advice on game development, industry insights, and more. This recognition underscores Sakurai’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of game creators and his dedication to promoting the art of game development.
Source: VGC