# Masahiro Sakurai Hints at Secret New Game Project in YouTube Series Finale
In an unexpected announcement during the concluding episode of his acclaimed YouTube series, *Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games*, esteemed game designer Masahiro Sakurai revealed that he has been developing a confidential project for over three years. The mind behind *Super Smash Bros.* and *Kirby* has kept this new endeavor under wraps until now, igniting fans’ anticipation for further information about what could be his next significant release.
## A Fresh Chapter for Sakurai
Sakurai, who has been a key player in the gaming realm for many years, disclosed that he embarked on this enigmatic project while he was still finalizing the last downloadable content (DLC) characters for *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* in 2021. According to Sakurai, he was approached in July 2021 to draft a game proposal. Staying true to his reputation for speed, he crafted the proposal “in no time.”
“I apologize for not being able to share more details about this project, but if we manage to bring it to life, it should be announced sooner or later,” Sakurai hinted during the episode.
Although the game designer was unable to reveal specific information about the project, his remarks have ignited considerable speculation among fans and industry professionals alike. Given Sakurai’s history of producing innovative games, expectations are sky-high for what he has planned.
## From *Super Smash Bros.* to Something Different?
Sakurai’s career has been intimately linked to the *Super Smash Bros.* franchise, which has emerged as one of Nintendo’s most prosperous and cherished series. Since 2008, Sakurai has directed four major entries: *Super Smash Bros. Brawl* (2008), *Kid Icarus: Uprising* (2012), *Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/Nintendo 3DS* (2014), and *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* (2018). Each of these titles has marked a significant achievement, not only for Nintendo but for the gaming sector at large.
Considering this background, many fans are speculating that Sakurai’s forthcoming project may be another installment in the *Super Smash Bros.* franchise, especially with whispers of a new Nintendo console—often dubbed “Switch 2″—on the horizon. Nintendo has a trend of launching a new *Super Smash Bros.* game for each major console, making it logical for the company to leverage Sakurai’s expertise once again.
However, Sakurai is also renowned for his creative flexibility, which opens up the possibility that his next undertaking could be something completely different. Historically, *Kid Icarus: Uprising* was a shift from the *Super Smash Bros.* formula, demonstrating Sakurai’s knack for innovating across various genres. Could this secret project represent another daring leap for the celebrated game designer?
## A Well-Deserved Respite and a New Venture
After concluding the development on *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*’s final DLC character, Sora from *Kingdom Hearts*, Sakurai was cleared to commence work on his new game. Nonetheless, he was aware that assembling the perfect team would require time. He aimed to have the team ready by April 2022, but in the interim, he enjoyed an unusual pause from his typically busy work routine.
Instead of taking a vacation or diving right into another game, Sakurai opted to pursue a different venture: launching a YouTube channel. His channel, *Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games*, has resonated with fans, providing insights into game design, development processes, and the broader gaming landscape. For Sakurai, it represented a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to disseminate his knowledge and expertise to a worldwide audience.
The channel has garnered acclaim for its informative content, as Sakurai simplifies complex game design ideas in a clear and captivating manner. It’s evident that even during his hiatus from game development, Sakurai’s enthusiasm for the medium remains as robust as ever.
## What Could the New Project Entail?
While Sakurai has been tight-lipped regarding the specifics of his forthcoming project, several educated hypotheses can be drawn based on his previous work and ongoing industry trends.
1. **A New *Super Smash Bros.* Game**: Considering the franchise’s success and the impending launch of a new Nintendo console, it would not be surprising if Sakurai is focused on the next chapter of *Super Smash Bros.*. The series has consistently redefined the possibilities of fighting games, and fans would surely welcome another addition.
2. **A Sequel to *Kid Icarus: Uprising***: Sakurai’s 2012 title *Kid Icarus: Uprising* was a remarkable success both critically and commercially, and numerous fans have been eagerly
