Sakurai urges Japanese developers to prioritize local gamers

Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Super Smash Bros., recently received the Art Encouragement Prize from Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs. This award recognizes his success with his YouTube channel, "Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games." In a recent interview, he shared his thoughts on the gaming industry and its direction. Sakurai emphasized that Japanese game developers should focus on appealing to domestic audiences rather than trying to meet Western preferences. He noted that Japanese gamers value the unique elements and enjoyment that their games offer. He believes that many developers have been influenced by the success of Japanese games abroad, leading them to create more "Americanized" products. Additionally, he argued that Western players might actually prefer the uniqueness of Japanese games rather than games that imitate Western styles. His comments come as the Silent Hill series is returning to its Japanese roots, with a new game set entirely in Japan. Sakurai's insights highlight the importance of staying true to the cultural aspects that make Japanese games special.