As I’ve noted multiple times on the Nintendo Entertainment Podcast, we don’t deserve Masahiro Sakurai, aka “Daddy Sakurai.” His level of dedication to the art and craft of game design and development is second to none. Just look at some of his most recent videos on his “Creating Games” YouTube Channel, and you’ll see numerous examples of him going above and beyond to make something look good, feel right, or just be better than it was before. However, as with all good things, they must come to an end.
As noted by Masahiro Sakurai himself on Twitter, things are wrapping up soon for his YouTube channel:
チャンネル最終話の収録を終えました。
まだ公開は先になると思いますが、それまでは通常回でお楽しみください…— 桜井 政博 / Masahiro Sakurai (@Sora_Sakurai) June 15, 2024
Translated, the post reads:
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…
So, at the very least, it’s not over YET. We all knew the end was coming via a previous statement by Sakurai, but it didn’t make it hurt any less. This series has been a joy to watch and listen to, and it’ll be sad to see it go. However, many are already speculating that the REASON he’s ending the channel despite its success and acclaim is that he’s working on his next game for Nintendo…including possibly a new entry in the Super Smash Bros franchise. Only time will tell if that’s true!