Japanese video game creators have long been the driving force behind some of the most imaginative and cherished titles in gaming history. Recently, Masahiro Sakurai, the visionary behind the Smash Bros series, sat down for an intriguing chat with the Japanese outlet Entax. This discussion followed his receipt of the Art Encouragement Prize from Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs. During the interview, he offered his insights into the future of the gaming scene in Japan, particularly in light of the rising dominance of Chinese hits like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong.
“It’s not really my own idea, but as an industry trend, I think Japanese people should keep pursuing the things that Japanese people like.”
— Masahiro Sakurai (@Sakurai_M) Date
Sakurai emphasized that the success of Japanese games abroad led to a shift towards creating “Americanized works.” He pointed out this trend, stating, “you could say that there was a culture of following de facto standards." By 'de facto standards,' he referred to practices that became conventional due to competitive market forces.
“I think that they seek the uniqueness and fun of Japanese games,” which is why he believes Japanese developers shouldn't feel the need to alter their creations for overseas audiences.
— Masahiro Sakurai (@Sakurai_M) Date
“In essence, the goal should be to craft games that resonate with you personally, as those who share your vision will appreciate them,” he added. Sakurai stressed the importance of creative freedom, encouraging industry professionals to embrace their own ideas without succumbing to external pressures. Yet, he also acknowledged that his perspective is merely one of many on this multifaceted topic.