If you’ve been a long-time fan of Hidetaka Miyazaki’s works, a lot of questions must have crossed your mind regarding the games’ creative process. Even if you’re new to this fandom, and appreciate the company’s recent works like Elden Ring, your curiosity is probably shaken up.
Not too long ago, Miyazaki spoke about his creative process and some of the toughest creative challenges he has dealt with. Going forward, this is unlikely to change, and it won’t be surprising to see more masterpieces in the future.
The Type of Game Often Decides the Kind of Universe It Cradles
In Xataka’s interview with Hidetaka Miyazaki, there were many questions that found a home in the creative genius creative process. These answers may make you think about how FromSoftware goes about building rich universes.
When the question about creating a new universe came about, Miyazaki had this to say:
The first thing we study is the type of game we are looking for. Based on that design, we like to choose the universe that suits it best, the one that can contribute the most in its characters or narrative.
In the case of ‘Sekiro’ we wanted to design a very specific type of action and then we saw that the figure of the ninja fit into it, as it was the most appropriate to convey the sensations we were looking for.
Translated from Spanish.
Clearly, the game’s concept is something that gets ideated first, and the team focuses on shaping a universe built around it. Elden Ring and its DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree may have been a product of the same process.
Hidetaka Miyazaki’s Childhood Is Reflected in His Creativity
It’s also important to note that Miyazaki hasn’t been alone in his journey. Take the example of Elden Ring; a rich and complex world that’s still evolving.
Fortunately, Hidetaka Miyazaki had the assistance of George R. R. Martin when creating this epic universe. While Dark Souls and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice may have been distinctly different games, Miyazaki’s childlike imagination and curiosity are often reflected in similar, enigmatic ways.
When asked about the sources of his inspiration, Hidetaka Miyazaki had those to say:
This comes, indeed, from how much I loved reading as a child. The sense of creating a universe, the sensation it gives you, is very difficult to share with other people, even if they are excellent professionals.
I think that narrative, or rather, narrative creation, is something very personal and deep that I keep in my heart.
What are your thoughts on the creative process behind FromSoftware games? Let us know in the comments below.
