Masato Hiruta is a former scenario writer, game designer, and a foundational figure in the Japanese adult game (eroge) industry, best known as the founder and first president of the software company Elf. His creative work was primarily in the visual novel medium, and his original scenarios and game designs formed the basis for several anime adaptations, including the ones cited such as the Dōkyūsei series, Dragon Knight, and their associated specials.

Hiruta was personally responsible for crafting the scenarios and game designs for most of Elf's major commercial successes during the 1990s. His notable original creations include the Dragon Knight series and the Classmate (Dōkyūsei) series, both of which were later adapted into anime. His career at Elf saw a stylistic evolution; his early works often blended comedic elements with serious narrative themes, while his later projects focused more on experimental game systems and strict production scheduling.

He officially retired from the industry following the release of The Kawarazaki Family 2, though reports indicate he continued to contribute to projects as a subcontractor after stepping down from his executive role. Little is publicly known about his personal life, though he is noted to be an avid motorcycle enthusiast, a passion that influenced his work and is reflected in the character Yoko Minamikawa from Dōkyūsei 2. After his retirement, he was reported to be living outside the industry, engaging in farming with his wife. His significance to the industry is underscored by Elf's decline in creative output following his departure, marking him as a central creative force whose vision defined a significant era for the company.