Quote:President Satoru Iwata and former HAL Labs producer Masahiro Sakurai have reportedly held a number of reconciliation meetings in the past few weeks. The creator of Kirby, as well as the Super Smash Brothers series, decided to leave HAL earlier this summer due to conflicts over the development of Kirby Air Ride. As a result of the talks between the two Japanese gaming tycoons, Sakurai is now willing to work with Nintendo at some point in the future, although he will not be returning to his job at HAL Labs. Sakurai confirmed this report in an interview with the Japanese publication 'Nintendo Dream', and also stated that Iwata was compassionate and understanding about the decision to leave HAL.

Also, HAL Labs is now undergoing major internal changes and restructuring efforts, as a result.

Quote:Since there seems to be a sort of confusion floating about the world wide web, Nintendojo is here to clarify the situation with Nintendo's in house developer, Hal Laboratories.

First off, in light of reports that suggest their base of operations went mysteriously "empty" -- along with the company -- we can assure you HAL is alive and kicking, simply opting for a change of scenery as the company itself restructures (following Masahiro Sakurai's resignation).

Secondly, Kirby's creator Masahiro Sakurai did not leave on sour terms, open to the option of working with Nintendo in the future -- even going as far as to keep optimistic. Now, however, he has more freedom over (the creative reigns of) his own projects.

Hopefully, with these clarifications, everyone can rest easy. (wj)