Sakurai's latest video explores how he creates stand-out visual effects

Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai has shared the latest video in his game design series on YouTube. The video focuses on how Sakurai creates striking and effective visual effects in games.

Sakurai touches on various aspects of art and graphical development, including layering effects to create unique elements. A major aspect Sakurai focuses on is a process called “Additive Blending” which is used to help effects line up stylistically with the background.

He also explains how Additive Blending alone isn’t enough for great effects, and that careful consideration should be taken to give effects proper contrast and style. The video also shows how these concepts come together in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate!