Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and Hidetaka Miyazaki, the highly-celebrated mastermind behind the critically acclaimed Souls series and Elden Ring, as well as its already record-breaking expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, finds inspiration in the very games that have followed in his footsteps.
As the Soulslike genre continues to grow, with developers eager to capture the magic of FromSoftware’s punishing yet highly gratifying gameplay, Miyazaki has taken a refreshing approach to these titles.
Hidetaka Miyazaki: Learning from the Best and the Rest
In an interview with Rolling Stone, published just ahead of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC’s launch, Miyazaki shared his approach to playing Souls-like games:
Yes, I do play other so-called ‘Soulslike’ games. But not so much as a consumer but as research, so to speak. It’s very stimulating for me to be able to see it from many different angles, because we’re all working within the same sandbox, in a way.
This willingness to learn from others in the industry perfectly demonstrates the renowned director’s dedication to his craft.
By studying and “researching” how other developers interpret and innovate within the genre, he can draw inspiration and refine his own ideas.
Miyazaki’s appreciation for the growing number of Soulslikes is further evident in his comments from an earlier interview with Gōuhuǒ yíngdì (translated by @swordandflower on X):
We actually never defined the Souls Games as they call it. For myself, I play this type of game a good amount, as a player. There are a lot of games like this so it makes me very happy.
The visionary’s joy in seeing the subgenre he helped pioneer flourish demonstrates his genuine passion for gaming.
Besides, as a developer, I could learn a lot from them. It’s a great opportunity. Initially when we developed Demon Souls, we were just following the trend at the time and making what the players wanted. We developers should learn and explore together since we all share the same goal of bringing a better experience to the players.
This statement emphasizes the award-winning director’s humility and eagerness to learn from others. By recognizing the value in studying other Soulslikes, he exposes himself and his team to new ideas that can benefit FromSoftware‘s own creative process.
The Future is Bright for FromSoftware and All the Games After Elden Ring
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Miyazaki’s willingness to learn from others will undoubtedly shape the future of FromSoftware and the Soulslike genre. With the highly anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree expansion now out, fans are pouring in to see how Miyazaki and his team have incorporated new ideas and mechanics inspired by other Soulslikes.
Looking ahead, the studio president has also expressed a strong desire to continue pushing the boundaries of the genre while maintaining FromSoftware’s signature style. By striking a balance between innovation and familiarity, he aims to deliver experiences that both challenge and reward players.
As FromSoftware continues to set the standard for the Soulslike genre, it’s thrilling to imagine the possibilities that lie ahead.
What do you think about Hidetaka Miyazaki’s approach to learning from other Soulslikes? Do you believe this collaborative mindset has contributed to the success of Elden Ring and other Soulsborne games? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
