Legendary creator of the Super Smash Bros. and Kirby series, Masahiro Sakurai, shared his reflections on the importance of uniqueness and innovation in the gaming industry. The occasion for this was the discontinuation of the special «Game Designers Award» category at the Japan Game Awards, where he served as the head of the jury for a long time.
Originality as the Foundation of the Industry's Survival
This award existed since 2010 and recognized projects primarily for their creative approach, out-of-the-box thinking, and inventive gameplay mechanics, rather than for commercial success or production scale. Commenting on the conclusion of the nomination, Sakurai emphasized the critical importance of supporting new ideas:
- An industry that loses its originality is ultimately doomed to a slow decline.
- It is important for modern developers not only to follow proven templates, but also to boldly experiment with gameplay.
- Games capable of surprising players and offering a completely new experience are of particular value.
Masahiro Sakurai remains one of the industry's most influential voices, constantly reminding developers of the power of bold creative decisions.
Comments ...