PGC brings you the full translation of Masahiro Sakurai's column in Famitsu, announcing his resignation from HAL Laboratory.It is a very sudden announcement; I am quitting Hal Laboratory, the game development company at which I have worked up until now.
As I write this column, I have not decided what I will do next. I was not hired away by some other company. In any case, it was my own will to leave the company.
Naturally, people will always ask for the reason. Simply said, half of the reason is that under the current structure, I feel is it impossible to continue to make games. The other half is the attraction of being able to work freely with other creators by leaving the company.
Once my resignation letter was accepted, I notified everyone at HAL Laboratory. Afterwards I met Nintendo’s president Iwata-san and talked with him. Iwata-san is also my previous superior. He felt regretful about my departure, but he understood my decision, and fully supports it.
As of present, I have no intention of joining any company or organization as an employee and developer. For the meantime, I will take light jobs as a freelancer, and try to be flexible. First, there is some doubt of making games and receiving a set salary in any company that has a destiny of always striving to increase revenues. I also think that by participating on different projects, it can influence the way creators think about games.
However, game development is about working closely with staff members, sharing know-how and gaining trust. I do not believe success will come from constantly moving from one place to another place. Therefore, ultimately I might find a place where I belong.
With the weakened economy, the harshness of the game industry is only escalating. I also think energy is lost since some creators are having difficulty making a living. I wish I can be of some help to those creators who are energetic, yet not doing so well. I hope to become some strength to those people who are fighting in the game industry. While receiving this strength, I hope they will understand it is important to develop games for the users and not for companies and developers.
I have already been approached by various interesting projects. With that said, I only have one body, so I probably cannot take jobs as I would like, but it does not look like I will stop making games.
Please do not worry about the Kirby series, as HAL Laboratory will still be developing the games. Regarding Smash Brothers, honestly, I do not know! Sorry!
Although the rode ahead is pitch dark, the feeling now of standing at the starting line is very exciting. The unknown path is a very wonderful thing. It will require a lot of training, and many challenges await me. However, I am looking forward to it!
Ahh… the column is still going to continue. Please look forward to it!
Topic: Sakurai Article Translation (Read 3003 times)
