Super Smash Bros and Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai has been recognized by the Japanese government with the prestigious Art Encouragement Prize from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. This award is given to individuals whose outstanding achievements have opened new horizons in their field.
While Sakurai has over 35 years of experience in game development, this award specifically acknowledges his YouTube series, Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games, which has made significant contributions to the gaming industry by sharing his knowledge in an accessible and engaging format.
The Agency stated:
“Masahiro Sakurai has made a significant contribution to the development of the game industry by sharing his knowledge of game production widely through YouTube in an easy-to-understand, accessible format with a coherent storyline.”
Notably, an English version of the series has also been released, expanding its influence globally. In a recent post on X, Sakurai expressed his gratitude for the award, humorously questioning if he could now consider himself a cultural person.
Sakurai's YouTube journey began in 2022, and he concluded the series in October 2024 with a heartfelt tribute to Satoru Iwata. Despite announcing he was semi-retired in 2022, he confirmed he is still involved in game creation while managing his YouTube channel.
He hinted at a new game project in the works, stating:
“I’m sorry I can’t share more about this project, but assuming we’re able to get it made, it should be announced sooner or later.”
Sakurai's legacy continues to thrive as he influences aspiring game designers and developers worldwide.
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