Masahiro Sakurai Warns of Unsustainable Game Development, Sees Generative AI as Key to Industry's Future

Masahiro Sakurai Warns of Unsustainable Game Development, Sees Generative AI as Key to Industry’s Future

Masahiro Sakurai highlights unsustainable game development and suggests generative AI could improve efficiency and reshape the industry.

gameinfinitus.com

TL;DR: Masahiro Sakurai, the mastermind behind Super Smash Bros. and Kirby, warns that modern AAA game production has ballooned into an unsustainable slog. He argues studios must rethink their workflows—especially by leaning on generative AI—to keep up, or risk extinction. He also points out that hyper-specialization in teams is squeezing out the next generation of big-project directors.

On the flip side, Sakurai applauds the indie boom but reminds us that with over 10,000 annual releases, you need more than creative freedom—you need quality, luck, and a standout hook. Still, he’s optimistic that fresh voices will carve their own paths (à la Miyazaki). Meanwhile, Kirby has sold 50 million units worldwide, Smash sits at 72 million, and fans can look forward to a mysterious sequel to Kirby Air Ride.