In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai discusses a topic many in online spaces have heard about before, the echo chamber. Sakurai’s video is short, but he goes on to give a brief definition of the term, and then discusses the role it plays in video game development. Sakurai succinctly defines an echo chamber as a phenomenon where one’s thoughts are reinforced through positive support in online spaces. Simply put, the more people agree with your opinion, the more you feel your assertion must be correct. Sakurai goes on to describe how the natural tendency to find other people who think like we do is not a bad thing, but it can go too far and cause us to shut out those with differing opinions.
When it comes to developing video games, Sakurai encourages developers to maintain a balance between playing it safe, and getting outside your echo chamber to hear new ideas. Ultimately though Sakurai says “When making games, sometimes taking things in your own “unbalanced” direction is what feels best! It’s much better than letting yourself be swayed by other people.” Sakurai then concludes his video with the final point of listening to your team’s concerns and having the flexibility to adapt. It’s a timely lesson to reflect on for developers of games, players and critics alike.
