Sakurai Believes Industry Will “Slowly Die” Without Innovation As He Discontinues Game Designers Award
Masahiro Sakurai has announced the discontinuation of The Game Designer award at the Japan Game Awards after 16 years. Originally founded in 2010, the award recognized games that exemplified creativity and originality in game design. Sakurai made the decision after being unable to find a successor to carry the award forward.
The final recipient was Word Game, developed by independent studio Team9. Sakurai’s announcement reflects deeper concerns about the industry’s future. He emphasized that “we always need new discoveries,” warning that the industry will “slowly die” without sustained innovation and recognition of creative achievement.
The Game Designer award was distinctive within the Japan Game Awards for focusing specifically on design innovation rather than commercial success or technical accomplishment. Sakurai’s stewardship gave the award significant prestige among the gaming community, particularly for independent developers and creators prioritizing artistic vision. The difficulty in finding a successor underscores broader challenges around institutionally supporting design innovation.
Sakurai’s concerns highlight ongoing industry tensions between commercial pressures and creative risk-taking. The award’s discontinuation marks the end of an era for recognition that championed unconventional design during a period of significant industry growth and consolidation.