Masahiro Sakurai Speaks On Pros And Cons Of Leaderboards

Game director of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Masahiro Sakurai, released a video where he shares his thoughts on game leaderboards. While the video itself is only three minutes long, it has great analysis in it.

Among the great points listed in the video are the following:

• Leaderboards can help connect people of similar skill levels. However, in reality, different factors become obstacles to perfect matchmaking.
• Leaderboards aren't great in making you feel successful.
• Achieving low places despite giving your 100% may easily drain your motivation to play.

Masahiro Sakurai mentions the reversed ranking system, which is implemented in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a possible solution to some of the problems, and Elite Smash mode, which prevents skilled players from stomping beginners.

What are your thoughts on the leaderboards? Are they needed? Share your opinion on social media and in the commentaries below.