Super Smash Bros director Masahiro Sakurai says developers shouldn’t always focus on making the games they want and should sometimes consider what types of games are needed.
In an interview with Nikkei
Sakurai responded that while it’s important for developers to make the games they want, sometimes they should also consider that it may be in the industry’s best interest to make something that’s necessary, even if it doesn’t directly appeal to them.
“In the game industry, most people are motivated by the desire to create games, and I think it’s good that they have this attitude of doing what they want,” Sakurai explained (via machine translation).
“After all, the easiest way to understand the appeal of doing something is if you do something you love.
“But if you think about it, the people who make toys for children, for example, are almost always adults. Of course, they may be specialists in that particular field, but they don’t necessarily belong to the same demographic as the actual users.
“So, among the various products and services available, it is necessary to focus on areas of the industry that are considered poor. This role is necessary.”
Sakurai went on to cite his first game, Kirby’s Dreamland, as an example of this, explaining that while it wasn’t the type of game that directly appealed to him as an experienced gamer, he felt it was important to make a game for younger players. players.
“The first game I made, Kirby’s Dream Land, is a beginner’s game,” he explained. “I’m a ‘heavy’ gamer, but I created this game because it was necessary to expand the player base.
“I think it’s important that I fill a role that was necessary at the time, not just because I like it, and I think that’s a good side.
“Some people create games they like, using their own ideas. Others skillfully understand what is needed and create games based on that. “I think it’s good to be able to look at the industry and the company as a whole and find a good balance.”
