Fan-favorite game developer Masahiro Sakurai recently shared what he feels was the “best year” in the gaming industry so far, showing some love for the early days of the NES. Throughout his career, Sakurai has cemented his status as a legendary member of the gaming world and a popular creator among Nintendo fans. Sakurai is best known for his work on theSuper Smash Bros.franchise, thoughMasahiro Sakurai also hosts a YouTube channelwhere he discusses different aspects of his time in game development. Now, Sakurai is weighing in on his “best year in gaming.”
The argument for the best year in video games has often been a contentious topic among fans, with many different eras of gaming highlighted. 2004 has been a popular choice among many gamers with a plethora of smash-hit games released, includingHalf-Life 2andGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas. 2017 serves as a recent example of a highlight year for many fans, with beloved games likeNier: Automata,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, andHollow Knight. However, theSuper Smash Bros.developer’s pick for gaming’s best year dates back to the mid-1980s.
As reported by NintendoLife, Masahiro Sakurai recently shared his pick for the “best year in gaming” in a YouTube video, revealing he believes 1986 to be gaming’s pinnacle. Sakurai cited a plethora of reasons for his pick with severalmajor game franchises debuting in 1986, includingThe Legend of Zelda,Castlevania, andMetroid. Sakurai highlighted major developments in the gaming world throughout 1986 as well, with the release of the Famicom Disk System and “megabit” cartridges allowing for larger games. Sakurai also touched on the NES' release in Europe during 1986.
Masahiro Sakurai Picks 1986 as Gaming’s “Best Year”
During the video, Sakurai touched on the long-lasting impact of many of the franchises getting their start in 1986. Sakurai would pull from his own experience withSuper Smash Bros, sharing that multiple series likeCastlevaniaandDragon Questwould eventually be added to the fighting game. He referenced the plethora of ways to experience 1986’s releases, with several made available throughNintendo’s premium “Nintendo Switch Online” subscription service. Sakurai also cited 1986 as the birth of the iconic “Konami code.”
Masahiro Sakurai’s reflection on 1986 comes as many fans are eagerly anticipating the future for the popular game developer. Sakurai has made multiple announcements throughout the year about his upcoming endeavors, both revealing his work onSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateis finished and the sunsetting of his YouTube channel. His statements have sparked speculation that Sakurai may be returning to work on anew entry in theSuper Smash Bros. franchise. Whatever Sakurai’s next venture may be, his legions of fans are sure to follow the beloved creator.
