Sakurai explains discusses why he left HAL, and how Smash Bros. allows him to create new things

Many know Masahiro Sakurai as the creator of Smash Bros. Ultimate, but he is also the creator of Kirby. Over the years, some have come to believe that Sakurai left his position at HAL because he grew tired of the expectations of creating sequels for Kirby time and time again. In an interview with EDGE, Sakurai clears the air about his departure from HAL and working on Kirby. He also touches on how working on the Smash Bros. series allows him to create new things.

“There’s been some kind of misunderstanding about that. I never said that I didn’t want to make Kirby games. I think what I talked about in the past, about it being difficult to create a new game if I just stayed at HAL has been twisted somehow. I wouldn’t mind working anywhere as long as I get to create new things. I’m making Smash Bros. because Nintendo has asked me to, and because I feel it’s a project that I should prioritize above all else if I’m asked to do it. If I create a new game, that may be one more great, fun game people can play – but by making Smash Bros. I can create something with more value and wide-reaching effects. However, I definitely don’t feel like I am stuck in a rut doing similar things. Every time I add lots of new things, and I feel that it’s a job I always enjoy.”