During the second Kirby Air Riders Direct, Director Masahiro Sakurai shared more details about the upcoming game and discussed his personal involvement in its development. It was during this presentation that he revealed an important insight regarding the future of the “franchise.”
While a great deal of work and passion went into bringing Air Ride back after two decades, Sakurai made it clear that there are no plans to develop it into an ongoing series. Towards the end of the hour-long Kirby Air Riders Direct, he stated, “Just so you know: we’re not planning any DLC. Everything is here. Also, I’m not planning on making this an ongoing series.”
This straightforward quote leaves no doubt about Sakurai’s stance on the matter. Known primarily for his work on Super Smash Bros.—an original game that evolved into a blockbuster franchise spanning every generation of Nintendo hardware in the 21st century—Sakurai’s approach to Kirby Air Riders is notably different.
For fans hoping to see Kirby Air Riders receive the same kind of long-term treatment and expansion as Super Smash Bros., those hopes should be tempered. The revival is meant as a complete experience, not the start of an ongoing franchise.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146482/sakurai-kirby-air-riders-franchise-plans