Sakurai Is Keen To Live An “Unassuming Life”, Despite His Fame And Prestige

Masahiro Sakurai is quite adept at articulating on camera; however, regarding notoriety and esteem, the developer would rather maintain a discreet presence.

In a discussion with Game*Spark (thanks, GamesRadar+) regarding the publication of a manga biography about his life, Sakurai expressed a preference for individuals to concentrate on his games rather than him as an individual. While he invests considerable effort in sharing his creations – which is possibly reflected in the extensive Direct presentations for the newly-released Kirby Air Riders – he still avoids “trying to market myself”:

“I believe I have always aspired to lead a modest life. I strive to communicate my creations effectively, yet I avoid marketing myself. Becoming a joke on the internet would be an issue. That’s why I often decline interview requests. I think it’s preferable for people to simply enjoy games, rather than pondering who is behind them.”

That seems fair to us! Besides his games, Sakurai is also widely recognized for his contributions on YouTube. With the ‘Masahiro Sakurai on Game Creation’ channel, he shares a wealth of insights regarding the game development process for aspiring creators. His efforts have been so impactful that he was even honored with the Cultural Affairs’ annual Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists in Japan.

Kirby Air Riders is now available for the Switch 2. In our 8/10 evaluation, we mentioned that it’s a “chaotic and intense racing game”, but one that also “offers depth for those eager to learn”.

What are your thoughts on Sakurai’s remarks here? Share your opinions in the comments section.