Sakurai Doubts Smash Bros. Would Succeed as a Traditional Fighting Game
Masahiro Sakurai, the legendary designer behind Super Smash Bros., has revealed that the original game might never have been released if it had adhered to traditional fighting game conventions of its era.
When Super Smash Bros. debuted in 1999, the industry responded with skepticism toward the concept of a Nintendo-developed fighting game, particularly one departing from the standard one-on-one format that dominated the genre. Sakurai emphasized that the game’s success stemmed from its willingness to innovate beyond established fighting game rules.
The series distinguished itself through a unique multiplayer platform-fighter design, featuring fast-paced, item-filled combat supporting up to eight simultaneous players. This radical departure from competitive 1v1 gameplay reflected Sakurai’s conviction that originality was essential to the game’s viability.
In discussing game development philosophy, Sakurai highlighted the critical importance of breaking away from genre conventions when pursuing creative vision. Had Smash Bros. followed the traditional fighting game framework of the 1990s—dominated by games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat—the franchise likely would have faced insurmountable challenges in gaining approval and publisher support.
By creating something wholly unique and recognizing an underserved market segment, Smash Bros. eventually became one of Nintendo’s most iconic and commercially successful franchises. The revelation underscores how innovation and willingness to challenge industry norms can prove more valuable than adhering to established genre formulas, a lesson that has influenced game design across the industry.