Scoreload

Japanese video game composer, director, designer, and programmer, renowned as a key creative force behind the Pokémon franchise. Born in Yokohama, Japan. Joined Game Freak in 1989. Primarily composed music for early Pokémon games (Red/Blue to Diamond/Pearl). Transitioned into game direction and production roles. Served as Chief Creative Fellow for The Pokémon Company. Known for composing directly in tracker software without sheet music.

• Masuda is self-taught in music composition and programming, learning these skills specifically to create games.
• He composed the iconic Pokémon battle themes and other tracks directly using a music tracker on the original Game Boy hardware, working within severe technical limitations.
• A notable shift occurred in his career: after composing for Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (2006), he moved primarily into directorial and production roles (e.g., Pokémon Black/White, X/Y), composing less frequently for main series titles but still overseeing sound.
• Masuda was a key figure in the development of the global phenomenon Pokémon GO as a producer at Niantic.
• He stepped down from his position as Director at Game Freak in 2022, transitioning to a role as Chief Creative Fellow for The Pokémon Company.