Masahiro Sakurai, known for his contributions to the dominant Super Smash Bros. series, has officially concluded his YouTube channel with a video hinting at a new game soon to be revealed. This development has sparked excitement among fans eager to learn about his next venture. In his last post on the Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games YouTube channel, he disclosed that a video game development request came his way in July 2021, coinciding with the preparations he was engaged in for the Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate Kazuya reveal, alongside the DLC character Sora. Following this, production commenced in April 2022, indicating that this project has been in the works for two and a half years. While Sakurai suggested that the game could be announced "sooner or later," he did not provide specific details regarding its content or nature. He mentioned a quick turnaround in finishing the game proposal, expressing regret for not being able to divulge more at this time.
Sakurai also noted that the footage used for his videos was primarily recorded two and a half years ago, which may explain any noticeable changes in his appearance since then. Although concrete information is sparse, the news is promising for his devoted fanbase that has speculated about his future steps after the completion of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, leading some to think he might step back from the gaming scene. Super Smash Bros.
Ultimate was released in 2018, with Sora being introduced as the final character in 2021, completing a roster of 89 diverse fighters hailing from franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and many others. In October 2023, Sakurai expressed uncertainty about the future direction of the Super Smash Bros. series, remarking on the challenge of replicating the same level of success again.
As fans ponder what this upcoming game could entail, anticipation builds with Nintendo on the verge of unveiling its next console, hinting at the possibility of more Smash Bros. entries in the pipeline. The question remains: will Sakurai play a role in this new chapter of gaming?