Smash Bros’ Sakurai says there are ‘no plans’ beyond next DLC fighters

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate director Masahiro Sakurai has said there are currently no plans to release DLC fighters beyond the game’s second Fighters Pass.

Fighters Pass 2 was announced in January and contains six new DLC characters – one more than the last Pass – set to be released before the end of 2020.

Writing in his latest Famitsu column (via ryokutya2089 and PushDustIn), Sakurai said that the unannounced DLC fighters are currently his sole focus, meaning he’s not working on a new game project, and added that he’s content to continue with DLC if it’s making players happy.

Nintendo isn’t currently planning future instalments of Smash Bros., Sakurai said.

In January Sakurai revealed that the identities of the next six Smash Bros. DLC fighters have already been decided. However, as usual the characters will be kept secret until closer to release.

Five DLC characters have released for Smash Bros. Ultimate.“I’m personally very sorry that we have to release Fighters Pass Volume 2 when the details have yet to be revealed,” Sakurai said in a live stream presentation. “Like last time I’d be very grateful if despite that you would understand why and purchase it.”

Reflecting on the first five DLC fighters, Sakurai said his intention was to offer new styles of play with each addition.

“Since the roster was already so large to begin with, right from the start we intended to make the most out of the new gameplay mechanics,” he said.

“When we add a new fighter, we don’t simply make their attacks or movements a little different. Instead we try to offer you a whole new style of play.”

Sakurai previously said he feels there’s “no way” the series will be able to have as many fighters or series represented again in future games.