" I used to work at HAL, where I made ‘Kirby’ and ‘Smash Bros.’ After that, I became an independent designer, but I didn’t have my own team. "
- Masahiro Sakurai

The quote expresses Masahiro Sakurai's career journey from working at HAL Laboratories, where he contributed significantly to well-known game franchises such as Kirby and Super Smash Bros., to becoming an independent designer without forming his own team. This statement encapsulates a pivotal shift in his professional life.

Upon closer examination, the quote reveals deeper insights into Sakurai’s approach to creativity and collaboration within the gaming industry. By mentioning specific games he worked on at HAL, it highlights the influence of structured environments like large corporations on his creative output. The transition to independent work suggests a desire for greater control over projects and possibly an entrepreneurial spirit. However, the absence of forming his own team implies that Sakurai may value autonomy in his design process rather than managing people or resources. This shift also underscores the challenges and opportunities that come with moving from a corporate setting to self-directed endeavors.

Masahiro Sakurai is a renowned video game designer and director known for creating iconic titles like Kirby and Super Smash Bros. His career spans several decades, making significant contributions to both Nintendo's flagship franchises and his own independent projects through his company Sora Ltd.