For almost five years, players have already digested quite a portion if not the entirety of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The game that defined the IP – returning characters from prior entries as well as some major requested additions finally in-game – especially Kingdom Hearts’ Sora. However, the wait for the next game from Mashahiro Sakurai has been lengthy to say the least.
Following the completion of post-launch promises for Ultimate, Sakurai has went on to host a collection of uploads on his YouTube channel, Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games. At the time of his effort to create content, he has pressed that his time will be available for the project until his next major game is officially in motion.
In a new post on X, Sakurai properly announces his time on YouTube has finally concluded – alluding to a new game is now underway from the developer. “We have finished recording the final episode of the channel. I think it will be a while before it is released, so please enjoy the regular episodes until then…” his statement auto-translated reads.
Concerning the next project, this is well under wraps given how recent Sakurai’s announcement was made. Reflecting on his portfolio, there are multiple directions he could follow. IPs include Super Smash Bros., of course, Kirby, or even Kid Icarus. There is also the possibility that Sakurai is now entertaining a unique property altogether, but, that is more conjecture than anything concrete.
In the past, Sakurai did comment on development for Smash Bros. without his involvement. From one interview, he revealed that the team offered the reins to a different person in leadership, but that was a short lived decision. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you interested in what Mashahiro Sakurai’s next game will be?