The Importance of Learning from Other Souls-like Games

Hidetaka Miyazaki, the acclaimed director behind the SoulsBorne genre, acknowledges the value of playing other Souls-like games developed by different studios. Despite being a pioneer in crafting challenging RPGs with titles such as Dark Souls and Bloodborne, Miyazaki believes there is much to gain from exploring similar games created by his peers.

In a recent interview with Gūhú yíngdì, Miyazaki expressed his personal interest in playing games that fall within the Souls-like category. He emphasized the significance of stepping into the role of a player, stating that experiencing a variety of games in this genre brings him joy. Moreover, Miyazaki admitted that as a developer, he can glean valuable insights and knowledge from these games, presenting a unique opportunity for growth and innovation.

Reflecting on the evolution of game development within the genre, Miyazaki highlighted the importance of collective learning among developers. He shared that during the creation of Demon Souls, the team at FromSoftware initially followed industry trends and player preferences. However, he now recognizes the value of developers coming together to share ideas and push boundaries, all in pursuit of enhancing the player experience.

Despite the emergence of new Souls-like games such as Lies of P and Lords of the Fallen, Miyazaki does not view them as competitors to FromSoftware’s own titles like Elden Ring. Instead, he welcomes the diversity and innovation that these games bring to the genre. By embracing the unique approaches and interpretations of other developers, Miyazaki believes that the entire gaming community can benefit from a wealth of creative ideas and fresh perspectives.

While FromSoftware gears up to release the Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree, Miyazaki assures fans that this will be the only additional content for the game. However, he does not discount the possibility of future projects within the Elden Ring universe, hinting at the potential for a fully-fledged sequel down the line. As fans eagerly await the next chapter in The Lands Between, Miyazaki’s openness to learning and collaboration sets a precedent for continued growth and innovation within the Souls-like genre.