Masahiro Sakurai is a name well-known in the gaming industry, especially for his incredible work on iconic series such as Super Smash Bros. and Kirby.
His success as a video game designer and director has not only solidified his reputation but also earned him substantial wealth over the years.
In this article, we’ll explore Masahiro Sakurai net worth, his career milestones, salary, and overall financial standing in 2025, based on his career’s trajectory and recent insights.
Masahiro Sakurai Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Masahiro Sakurai (桜井 政博) |
| Popular Name | Masahiro Sakurai |
| Birth Date | August 3, 1970 |
| Age | 54 |
| Birthplace | Musashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Ethnicity | Japanese |
| Education | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Michiko Sakurai |
| Children | N/A |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | N/A |
| Height | N/A |
| Net Worth | $10 million (estimated) |
| Source of Wealth | Video game design, directing, royalties |
What is the Net Worth Of Masahiro Sakurai in 2025?
Masahiro Sakurai’s estimated net worth is around $10 million as of 2025.
His wealth primarily comes from his successful career as a game designer and director, especially through the Super Smash Bros. and Kirby series.
These game franchises have not only brought him international fame but also significant financial earnings.
Compared to other gaming icons such as Shigeru Miyamoto or Hideo Kojima, Sakurai’s wealth is considerable, though not as high as some industry giants.
While his net worth is impressive, it remains behind the likes of other well-established names in the gaming industry.
Here are a few individuals and teams linked to him in the gaming world:
- Shigeru Miyamoto
- Hideo Kojima
- Nintendo
- HAL Laboratory
- Sora Ltd.
- Project Sora
- Super Smash Bros. Team
- Kirby Team
- Kid Icarus: Uprising Team
For a more comprehensive look at high net worth individuals in the gaming world, check out our article on the wealthiest people in the entertainment industry.
Masahiro Sakurai Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Masahiro Sakurai Built His Wealth Through Game Design
Masahiro Sakurai’s journey to wealth started early in his career. He is best known for creating Kirby and Super Smash Bros., two of the most successful game franchises of all time.
His income sources have included game royalties, partnerships with Nintendo, and his work on various projects.
Sora Ltd., the company he founded with his wife, Michiko Sakurai, has also contributed to his financial success.
While exact figures are often undisclosed, it’s clear that the revenue generated from these games has been significant.
Masahiro Sakurai’s Role in Creating Iconic Video Games
Super Smash Bros. alone is a massive franchise, with several iterations being released over the years, including titles for the Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, 3DS, Wii U, and Switch.
Each installment generated millions in sales, with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018) becoming one of the highest-grossing games for the Nintendo Switch.
Moreover, Kirby, which Sakurai created at a young age, remains one of the most beloved and profitable franchises for Nintendo.
The Kirby series has sold millions of copies worldwide and continues to generate substantial revenue.
His other works, including Kid Icarus: Uprising and Meteos, further add to his portfolio, though these games have not reached the same level of financial success as his more famous projects.
Masahiro Sakurai’s Salary and Earnings from Major Projects
While Sakurai’s exact salary and earnings from game titles are not publicly disclosed, we know that the Super Smash Bros. and Kirby series are his main sources of income.
The ongoing popularity of Super Smash Bros. ensures that Sakurai continues to benefit from the financial success of each new release, with royalties contributing to his wealth.
Additionally, his role in voice acting, particularly for King Dedede, adds to his earnings.
The success of his YouTube channel, “Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games,” which launched in 2022, also offers an alternative source of income.
His educational videos on game design are highly sought after by aspiring game developers and enthusiasts alike.
The Impact of Sora Ltd. on Masahiro Sakurai’s Financial Success
In 2005, Sakurai left HAL Laboratory and founded Sora Ltd., a game development company.
The company’s first major project was Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Nintendo Wii, which was highly successful both critically and commercially.
Sora Ltd. has since collaborated with Nintendo on other projects, most notably Super Smash Bros. for 3DS/Wii U and Kid Icarus: Uprising.
The success of these titles has likely contributed to the financial success of the company and, by extension, Sakurai himself.
His Influence on the Video Game Industry and His Financial Legacy
Sakurai’s legacy in the gaming industry is undeniable. His work on Super Smash Bros. has redefined the fighting game genre and created a platform for iconic characters across various franchises.
The enduring popularity of these games ensures that Sakurai’s financial success will continue well into the future.
Additionally, his reputation for creating engaging and innovative games has made him a respected figure in the gaming world, leading to partnerships and collaborations that further enhance his financial standing.
His YouTube Channel: A New Avenue for Revenue
In 2022, Sakurai launched a YouTube channel focused on game design and his career.
The channel, “Masahiro Sakurai on Creating Games,” has garnered significant attention, with thousands of subscribers and views.
The content, which focuses on educating aspiring game developers, provides another revenue stream for Sakurai.
With his extensive experience and insight into the gaming industry, his channel has quickly become a valuable resource.
Personal Life and Professional Impact
Sakurai is married to Michiko Sakurai, who has played an integral role in his work. She has contributed to the design and user interface of several of his games, including Kirby Air Ride and Super Smash Bros..
Despite the pressures of his career, Sakurai has managed to maintain a balance between his personal and professional life, which has contributed to his overall success.
Conclusion
Masahiro Sakurai’s journey from game designer to financial success is a testament to his creativity and dedication.
His wealth, generated from iconic game franchises like Super Smash Bros. and Kirby, continues to grow as his influence on the gaming industry expands.
For more on the wealth of celebrities in the gaming world, visit Pennbookcenter.com. Don’t forget to leave a comment or share this article with fellow gaming enthusiasts!
