Sakurai Done with Super Smash Bros

Although it may have taken longer than expected, Super Smash Bros. fans finally have not one but two games to enjoy this year. However, those who hope the enthusiasm for the Wii U and 3DS titles will help the next game release a little sooner might want to think again.

In an interview with Game Informer, Super Smash Bros. Creator Masahiro Sakurai reveals that he is unlikely to make another game in his beloved franchise. He cites the massive undertaking required for a Super Smash Bros. game as one of the main reasons for his apprehension, as well as a need to deliver a high quality product to fans.

Although Sakurai says he won't head up another Super Smash Bros., he doesn’t rule out the possibility of sequels. Nintendo's hugely popular, multiplayer fighting game is surely going to continue past the 2014 releases, they just won't have Sakurai as director.

"I can't positively declare there won't be [another Smash Bros. game]. With both Melee and Brawl, I made those games with the thought that there wouldn't be any more sequels. Thus, I really can't deny the chance for another...However, as for myself, I don't think there will be."

Some will remember, though, that Sakurai had made similar claims after Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and ended up returning for the Wii U and 3DS titles. In fact, plenty of developers have said they were done with their flagship franchise, but eventually they come back. That being said, Sakurai seems pretty adamant that he's done with Super Smash Bros.

Super Smash Bros Wii U New Game Mode

This news comes at an interesting time considering Super Smash Bros' success and general enthusiasm for the franchise. The Wii U version of the game is the fastest selling title on the platform, and the 3DS version has been no slouch either. Not to mention the zeitgeist surrounding Smash Bros. character announcements has helped keep Nintendo afloat even as they struggled financially.

That's all to say that Sakurai may be done, but Nintendo will continue making Super Smash Bros. games. In fact, after seeing how successful this year's games were, we wouldn't be surprised to see the company move a little faster with the next one(s). Then again, fast development isn't exactly Nintendo's M.O.

How do you feel about Sakurai moving away from Super Smash Bros. development? Does your interest in sequels change after this news?

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is available now.

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Source: Game Informer (via CVG)

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