In a recent interview with Entax, translated by Automaton, Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai emphasized that Japanese developers should prioritize making games for the Japanese market. When asked how the domestic industry could continue to grow, Sakurai stated that it’s important for Japanese creators to focus on the tastes and preferences of their own culture rather than chasing global trends.
Sakurai pointed out that after some Japanese games succeeded in the U.S., a wave of “Americanized” game development followed. He criticized this trend, noting that it led to a culture of adhering to international standards rather than preserving the distinct qualities of Japanese games. Sakurai suggested that this approach risks diluting the uniqueness that originally made Japanese games appealing on the global stage.
Masahiro Sakurai Urges Japanese Developers to Focus on Authentic Local Creativity Over Global TrendsSakurai Urges Developers to Preserve Japanese Creativity and Embrace Authentic, Independent Game Design
According to Sakurai, overseas fans of Japanese games are not looking for Americanized experiences; instead, they are drawn to the distinctiveness and creativity that Japanese developers naturally bring. He stressed that preserving the cultural identity and original charm of Japanese games is vital to maintaining their international appeal, rather than modifying them to fit external tastes.
Sakurai concluded by advocating for greater creative freedom within the Japanese game industry. He believes developers should make games they personally enjoy, trusting that like-minded players around the world will appreciate them. Highlighting his influential role, Sakurai was recently honored with the Art Encouragement Prize from Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs, recognizing his significant contributions to the arts through gaming.