Hidetaka Miyazaki, the renowned director behind games like Elden Ring and Dark Souls, has a unique approach to game development. Despite his success, Miyazaki has a unique rule he follows: he avoids directing sequels to games he wasn’t originally involved with.
This self-imposed restriction has guided his career, shaping the types of projects he undertakes and the creative directions he explores. This self-imposed restriction stems from his belief that the original director’s vision is too integral to the game’s identity to be inherited by another.
Hidetaka Miyazaki’s Philosophy Doesn’t Apply To Armored Core 6
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Miyazaki elaborated on his unique perspective. He explained that taking over a game series directed by another person could disrupt the creative continuity.
I think a lot of these games are so intertwined with the directors who almost invented that style of game…I don’t think there’s a scenario where I myself would make a King’s Field. The same can be said about Otogi and Enchanted Arms
This belief has led him to focus on new projects or sequels to his own creations, ensuring that the original artistic intent and style remain intact.
Projects like Elden Ring, for example, have contributed to FromSoftware’s distinct and cohesive game library. Speaking of Elden Ring and the new DLC, he said.
What made the base game quite exciting is the sense of a threat or the unknown. ‘Hey, am I strong enough to even engage with this boss yet or not?’ You don’t know that even though you’re almost at an end game level. Going into the DLC, you get that character growth and that sense of threat again, so it feels fresh.
Despite this, Armored Core 6 stands as an exception. Miyazaki started at FromSoftware in 2005, working on Armored Core: Last Raven, and later directed Armored Core 4 and Armored Core: For Answer.
His involvement in these earlier titles allowed him to return to the series with Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. This approach has not only revitalized Armored Core but also set a high bar for future sequels within the series, suggesting a similar treatment for potential future installments like Armored Core 7.
Fromsoft is Looking At a Bright Future With Miyazaki At The Helm
Hidetaka Miyazaki’s philosophy has broader implications for FromSoftware’s future. His focus on new projects and the creative growth of other directors within the company highlights a sustainable model for innovation.
With the success of Elden Ring and its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, Miyazaki envisions a future where more games are directed by other talented individuals within the studio.
He believes that the growth and development fostered by Elden Ring’s ambitious scale have prepared FromSoftware’s team to take on new projects independently.
As FromSoftware moves forward, Miyazaki’s influence will undoubtedly shape its future projects. His commitment to originality and his willingness to explore new ideas ensure that the studio will remain a leader in the industry.
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