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Introduction

Iwata:

Hello, Everyone. My name is Satoru Iwata, President of Nintendo Co., Ltd. Beginning today, I would like to deliver an interview that explains the vision and the development process behind the creation of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. But before we begin, I would like to offer an apology.

With the completion of the game falling behind schedule, we were unable to keep our promised release date, despite our greatest efforts in attempting to release this game on time. I would like to extend my most sincere apology to all of our customers that are anticipating the title’s release, and also to our retailers.

I have asked Mr. Nagata from “Hobo Nikkan Itoi Shinbun” (a webpage hosted by famed copywriter Shigesato Itoi), who himself is a fan of Smash Bros., to take on the role as the editor for this Iwata Asks interview. The last time he helped us was with the Iwata Asks series before Wii launch, but I feel like I have asked the perfect candidate to convey the appeal of Smash Bros.

I hope you enjoy this interview.

Iwata Asks His Former Employee

Sakurai:

So this is for the “Iwata Asks” interviews, right?

Iwata:

That’s right.

Sakurai:

In other words, this is where you, the president of Nintendo, interview the developers working for Nintendo.

Iwata:

Yes.

Sakurai:

Is it okay for me to be here since I’m not a Nintendo employee?

Iwata:

Of course, you’re my former employee, after all.

Sakurai:

That’s right! (laughs) So it’s the “Iwata Asks His Former Employee Interview,” then.

Iwata:

Actually, maybe I should first explain how I came to be your former boss.

Sakurai:

That sounds like a good idea.

Iwata:

Of course. (laughs) So Sakurai-kun¹ and I use this form of address purposefully, since I was your first boss after you came to HAL Laboratory and started working in the gaming industry - remind me how old were you at that time?

¹	Similar to “San” as in “Iwata-san”, “Kun” is an informal honorific primarily, generally used towards males. It is used by persons of senior status in addressing those of junior status.

Sakurai:

Nineteen years old.

Iwata:

Wow, just nineteen!?

Sakurai:

Right. Still young and full of energy. (laughs)

Iwata:

So, you and I, the two of us, took on an assignment to develop the prototype for the original Super Smash Bros. for N64, and since I had worked as president of HAL Laboratory before becoming president at Nintendo…

Sakurai:

…it’s the “Iwata Asks His Former Employee Interview.”

Iwata:

Right. Let’s get started then.

Sakurai:

Okay.

E3 2005: A Beginning