Smash Bros. Director Has Uncertain Future With The Series

In a new interview with Game Informer, Super Smash Bros. series director Masahiro Sakurai gives his thoughts on the future of the acclaimed fighting game series--and it could be without him. Sakurai suggested that if there is to be a follow-up to this year's Wii U and 3DS game, he may not be involved.

"I can't positively declare there won't be [another Smash Bros.]," Sakurai explained, via Videogamer. "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."

"In terms of scope, and in terms of sheer number of characters, we went beyond our limits long ago" -- Masahiro Sakurai

Sakurai went on to say that his goal for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U was to over-deliver on content. This, while great for consumers, could create something of a problem for a potential follow-up, which would need to offer even more or else fans might complain, he said.

"Our intention [with Super Smash Bros. for Wii U] was to provide extra merits to the game which go far beyond the sale price," he added. "In terms of scope, and in terms of sheer number of characters, we went beyond our limits long ago. And yet, if we cut the number of fighters or modes in a future game, I'm sure there would be complaints."

"You could say that all the effort in the past to stretch out, keep pushing myself, and provide all these extra merits wound up tightening the noose around my neck in the future," he added. "That may seem like it contradicts my personal desire to keep giving gamers as much as I can, but I don't see any easy answer for it. And yet, despite that, I also have trouble picturing someone else taking my place and providing all this value-added content without me."

As a result of the reasons he laid out above, Sakurai concluded that the Smash Bros. series now sits in a "very difficult place." One thing he wants to make clear, however, is that, "I hope people don't think that Smash Bros. has come to its natural conclusion as a matter of course. That's my personal plea."

Given the huge success of the Super Smash Bros. series, we'd be hard-pressed to believe Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS--both huge sellers already--will be the final entries in the series. Key designers often step away from projects they helped create, with new directors stepping in to take over.

Nintendo has not commented on the future of the Smash Bros. series, which makes sense, given the new games for 3DS and Wii U are still very new.

Development on the new Super Smash Bros. game took a physical and emotional toll on Sakurai, as he reported that developing the game led to an arm injury. He also said previously that game development can be so stressful that it can ruin a person's social life.