Miyazaki: I want this game to exist

In the world of video games, where massive franchises often dictate creative direction, the FromSoftware studio operates on a strikingly different principle. President and longtime Souls series director Hidetaka Miyazaki suggests that the team doesn’t design games to chase a specific demographic; instead, they simply create the games they personally want to see exist. This philosophy underscores a creative freedom that has defined the studio’s trajectory.

Following the monumental success of Elden Ring, many might expect a predictable sequel. Yet, the FromSoftware team has deliberately steered away from traditional dark fantasy sequels, opting instead for more experimental territory. This shift is evident in their recent output, which blends established aesthetics with genuinely unique mechanics.

The studio’s recent experiments have ranged from the historically significant Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon—a numbered installment in their older series—to the intriguing Nightreign, an experimental PvP/PvE battle royale forged from Elden Ring assets. These projects demonstrate a willingness to explore new genres and mechanics without being bound by the expectations of their previous, critically acclaimed titles.

The next major project, The Duskbloods continues this pattern. It is a dark fantasy action RPG that leans heavily into a multiplayer-first experience, successfully blending PvP and PvE elements. Furthermore, thanks to a partnership with Nintendo, it marks the studio’s first exclusive title since Bloodborne, adding another layer of novelty to their consistent stream of action hits.

When asked about this foray into multiplayer design, Miyazaki emphasized that there was no grand, predetermined plan for these projects to coincide. “Our motivation is always to just make a game that we want to play, something we’ve been wanting to make,” he explained. He noted that the timing of developing The Duskbloods and the development of Nightreign simply overlapped by chance, leading to an unexpected result.

Despite the expansion into multiplayer territory, the core focus remains firmly rooted in single-player content. Miyazaki confirms that the studio’s commitment to single-player games has not waned, asserting that their stance remains unchanged: “We make the games we want to make.” This flexibility allows FromSoftware to dabble in new areas, letting player reactions and feedback shape the direction of the development process, proving that creative ambition can exist in any genre.