Sakurai says he’s “semi-retired”

Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai recently spoke with Denfaminicogamer in an interview, and mentioned that he’s “semi-retired.”

Sakurai was participating in the interview largely to speak about his recent YouTube channel. However, he also took a few moments to reflect on his past and future.

Sakurai pointed out how between Super Smash Bros. for Wii U / 3DS and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with DLC for both, he was working on the series for about nine years. He felt like if he just continues to make game after game, his life would be over in no time. Sakurai added that his YouTube channel came about while he still had the time to actually work on it and make content there.

Also in the interview, Sakurai acknowledged that he has a very important job – which he’s very thankful for – in essentially being the boss of Smash Bros. He’s been able to work on a type of game that a wide range of people can enjoy for all ages. Not only that, but he’s been entrusted with characters and content from across the industry.

Sakurai has spoken about retirement previously. Most recently, in August 2021, he mentioned how he doesn’t think he can choose when to retire. He also said, “I think I should work as long as I can.”