Sakurai Admits to Using an IV drip While Working on Super Smash Bros Ultimate

Nintendo fans often sing the praises of the Super Smash Bros director Masahiro Sakurai. But his hard work on such a monumental franchise didn't come easy. Sakurai spoke about his time with the Smash Bros games and how it affects his health, including the time he had an IV drip while working.

The topic of Sakurai's health had come to the community's attention after the release of Super Smash Bros for Wii U and 3DS. He had reportedly been working dramatically intense hours and would often fall ill from overexertion.

Sakurai spoke with Japanese game site Nintendo Dream (Translated to English by Nintendo Everything) about the topic. He reveals that the health issues from the previous game had caused him to reconsider how he balances work and life for Super Smash Bros Ultimate.

"I made some changes from what I used to do compared to now. For example, as a principle, I always left the office by 10 PM, no matter what. Many companies are discouraging extreme overtime these days, too."

While this does sound better for Sakurai's health, he admits to instances of determination that would surprise most folks. The example given is in regards to an instance of food poisoning. Instead of taking the day off to rest, he would:

Sakurai: When you've got symptoms like food poisoning, you definitely have to go to the hospital, right? I've had that situation once or twice before during development. It was like I got food poisoning from some oysters that I didn't eat... It was like my food had come into contact with them or something."

Interviewer: Uh, so do you take some time off when that happens?

Sakurai: No, I don't. I just get an IV drip and go to work like normal."

He made it clear that this wasn't something he was forced to do. Sakurai operates as a freelancer, allowing him to control how much time he spends in the office. He attributes his heavy work habits to being a "hard worker" by nature.

Sakurai really is an impressive man. There's no doubt that Smash Bros wouldn't be the same without his drive. Now that Ultimate has released, he can rest again. Take it easy, Sakurai. We care about you!