Annual Game Division takes place on September 14th Japan Game Awardswhich celebrates the most interesting games in Japanese development.
However, with victory there is also a hint of sadness, because Masahiro Sakurai – Creator of Kirby and Super Smash Bros. – Winner says Game Designer Award Will not be back next year.
Sakurai’s words
IL Game Designer Award Created in 2010 to reward creativity and originality. Nominated games must “incorporate new ideas that are clearly different from existing works” and be able to “expand video games by presenting new ways to enjoy and play them.”
Additionally, the award is presented to A video game that attracts so many peopleeven those who don’t usually actively play video games. This year’s winner is Team9’s independent project Word Game. It was a word game with Traditional Chinese characters, but was later translated into Japanese, surprising the jury members (including Hideki Kamiya, Yoko Taro, Toby Fox, and others).
Unfortunately, this will be the last game to win the award, as Sakurai has yet to find someone to take his place in naming the most promising game in the category. “It’s been 16 years since we were founded,” Sakurai said, according to a live Japanese translator. [questo premio]. This is the last year we will present this award, and The reason is that no one can replace me”.
“That’s the only reason. In order for this award to continue to be truly convincing and fulfill its purpose, it had to be given by a director, someone who created innovative games that could revolutionize the way gameplay is played. I searched for a long time, trying to find someone to take my place. I even gave presentations looking for candidates, and I looked for several years, but No one steps up to replace me. There were many other judges, but no one was able to testify. ”
Kirby scope in “Kirby and the World Beyond”
“Game development is always an experiment, but you have to keep pushing. It’s always a very difficult process. […] While big prizes are always welcome, I think this award shows a different side of video games. Sorry, Innovation doesn’t always translate into profitability. Not many people want to try the latest version of a fancy drink every time – you usually prefer what you’re used to. ”
“It’s always difficult to get recognition for this kind of innovation and creativity, but if the industry loses creativity and innovation, I think The entire industry will eventually slowly die out. We always need new discoveries and innovations to keep the industry alive and kicking. ”
The second translator also highlighted how Sakurai expresses hope for players “Continue to be interested in creative play Even after the award disappeared. ”
Finally, let’s remember that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has been updated for a long time.