Masahiro Sakurai can't find a successor for Game Designers Award after 16 years

At the Japan Game Awards 2026 on September 14, 2026, the Game Designers Award went to Word Game. In the reporting provided, the title is described as a text-based puzzle game that was originally made with Traditional Chinese characters and later localized for Japanese players.

What happened

Sakurai, best known as the creator of Kirby and Super Smash Bros., has reportedly said he has not yet found a successor to take over his role tied to the Game Designers Award. That leaves the future of the award within the Japan Game Awards unclear.

The Game Designers Award was established by Sakurai in 2010. The honor is intended for a title that stands out for creativity and originality, while also reaching players who do not normally play games. That broad reach is part of the selection criteria mentioned in the source.

At the Japan Game Awards 2026, held on September 14, 2026, Word Game won the Game Designers Award. The reporting links that win directly to the annual Japan Game Awards presented by CESA.

Based on the available information, it is clear that Sakurai has not found a successor, but it is not clear whether the award is being permanently discontinued or only paused until someone takes over the role.

Background

The Game Designers Award is part of CESA's Japan Game Awards. According to the source, the prize focuses on titles that are not only creative and original, but also appeal to a broad audience, including players who usually play little or not at all.

Sakurai is linked in the source to his work on Kirby and Super Smash Bros. In the context of the award, names such as Hideki Kamiya, Yoko Taro, and Toby Fox are also mentioned, but the available information does not provide a full overview of the jury or the exact 2026 role distribution.