Masahiro Sakurai says Japanese devs should make uniquely Japanese games, not westernized games

Kirby series creator and Super Smash Bros series creator/director Masahiro Sakurai recently discussed the significance of games made in Japan and the value of creating uniquely Japanese games.

Mr. Sakurai was recently honored with the Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan.

Interestingly, the award was not solely based on his creation of Kirby or his work on Super Smash Bros, but rather his YouTube channel: Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games.

In an interview with Entax (via Automaton Media), Sakurai shared his view that Japanese game studios have been overly focused on catering to American audiences.

“It’s not necessarily my own idea, but the current trend in the game industry is for Japanese developers to embrace what they enjoy doing! I believe that is a positive direction,” Sakurai expressed.

He further stated, “In the past, there was a mindset of creating products tailored to American preferences because they were popular in the U.S. There was indeed such a mindset.”

“However, surprisingly, I’ve noticed that overseas ‘Japanese game lovers’ are not seeking out these adaptations, but rather the distinctiveness and enjoyment that Japanese games offer,” Sakurai explained. “Essentially, I believe the best approach is to create games authentically and have those who appreciate them enjoy the experience.”

The trend of adjusting games to align with Western tastes is not new, but it has gained momentum in recent years. Some games now incorporate terms like “rizz” and other ‘brainrot’ slang that resonates with younger Gen Z and Generation Alpha demographics. This shift can compromise the appeal for both Japanese and Western audiences who were drawn to anime for its unique aesthetic.

Modifying game dialogue and narrative choices to include American slang may ultimately diminish what initially attracted Western fans to anime.