Join Masahiro Sakurai, the director of Kirby Air Riders, as he provides insights into the game’s development, features, and modes.
Explore the Full Interview
Part 5: Additional Insights
Creating Inclusive Game Options
While I don’t personally require visual adjustments in games, I wanted to address potential issues for others. Given the numerous visual effects in the game, our primary focus was to maintain a stable screen. We sought input from testers who faced visibility concerns to refine our designs and identify effective patterns.
It’s unfortunate if players find the game appealing but struggle with its fast-paced nature. However, we don’t aim to sacrifice the game’s charm—like reducing speed or altering camera angles—because elements like City Trial are designed for excitement and experimentation. Some players may still encounter difficulties despite our efforts.
Personally, I wish to avoid excluding anyone from enjoying the game. Thus, enhancing visual adjustment options became a priority, which we believe will benefit many players.
Encouraging Player Expression Online
Self-expression in online gaming is crucial, which is why players can customize their License and My Machine for others to see.
The Machine Market was established as a place for showcasing these customizations, and we included references to market price changes during the planning phase.
Understanding Gummies
Gummies were introduced during the planning stage. They serve as a visual representation of a player’s victories—essentially “candy-coated incentives” for performance, granting a gummy for each player ranked below you.
Though we initially envisioned Gummies as an online-only feature, we opted to make them available offline as well to ensure a rewarding experience for all players. This change altered the concept slightly, allowing Gummies to become collectibles rather than just victory markers.

