The Most Incredible Year for the Game Industry According to Masahiro Sakurai

Masahiro Sakurai, the director of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, has recently released a new “Grab Bag” video on his YouTube channel, discussing what he considers to be the most incredible year for the game industry. In his personal opinion, Sakurai believes that year to be 1986, a time that marked the beginning of multiple major franchises and significant advancements in gaming technology.

During 1986, several iconic series were born, including The Legend of Zelda, Dragon Quest, Metroid, Castlevania, and Kid Icarus. Sakurai points out that many of these series have made their way into the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster, showcasing the impact that these games have had on the industry.

In addition to the birth of these legendary franchises, Sakurai highlights the expansion of games during this period, with new technologies providing a significant boost in capacity and both hardware and software making remarkable progress. He also mentions the Pixar short film “Luxo Jr.,” which he credits with ushering in the dawn of computer-generated entertainment.

Sakurai’s video includes a list of games released in 1986 that he considers to be part of the “Year of Legend,” such as Super Mario Bros., Castlevania, and Metroid. The director encourages viewers to explore Nintendo’s classic library of NES and Famicom games through the Switch Online service, sparking nostalgia for retro gaming enthusiasts.

As Sakurai reflects on the significance of 1986 in the gaming industry, he poses a question to his audience: what do they believe is the most incredible year in the history of video games? This prompts viewers to share their thoughts in the comments section, engaging in a conversation about the evolution of gaming over the years.

Overall, Sakurai’s discussion on the most incredible year for the game industry serves as a reminder of the impact that 1986 had on shaping the landscape of video games and the lasting legacy of the franchises that emerged during that time. It also highlights the importance of reflecting on the history of gaming to appreciate how far the industry has come.