Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creative director and studio boss at FromSoftware, has gained a reputation for underselling the success of his games. In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Miyazaki casually described the immense popularity of their games by stating, “Players seem to enjoy our games.” This nonchalant attitude towards the overwhelming success of the Souls series and the emergence of Soulslike games showcases Miyazaki’s modesty despite his groundbreaking contributions to the gaming industry.
Miyazaki’s tendency to underestimate extends beyond the success of his games to the content and scope of his projects. In a recent interview with IGN, Miyazaki discussed the forthcoming Elden Ring DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, and compared the main area, the Land of Shadow, to the base game’s opening area, Limgrave, suggesting that it may be “comparable” or even “larger.” However, the ambiguity in defining the size and boundaries of these areas raises questions about the accuracy of Miyazaki’s estimates.
One of the most glaring examples of Miyazaki’s underestimation is his initial estimate of the time required to complete Elden Ring. Despite describing the game as “improbably large,” Miyazaki suggested that it would take around 30 hours to beat the game without taking any detours. However, the reality proved to be vastly different, with many players spending well over 100 hours on their first playthrough. This discrepancy between Miyazaki’s estimates and the actual gameplay highlights the complexity and depth of FromSoftware’s games.
While Miyazaki’s underestimation of game length and content may lead to initial skepticism from players, it ultimately results in a more rewarding and immersive gaming experience. By setting modest expectations and then overdelivering with intricate and expansive worlds, Miyazaki challenges players to explore every detail and uncover hidden secrets within the game. This approach not only enhances the overall gameplay but also reinforces the reputation of FromSoftware as a pioneer in the gaming industry.
Despite the unpredictability and occasional vagueness in Miyazaki’s estimates, one thing remains certain – the impact of his creations on the gaming landscape. From the redefinition of an entire genre with the Souls series to the emergence of Soulslike games inspired by FromSoftware’s unique design philosophy, Miyazaki’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. As players eagerly await the release of the Elden Ring DLC and anticipate the challenges and surprises it will bring, one thing is clear – Miyazaki’s ability to surprise and exceed expectations knows no bounds.
While Miyazaki may downplay the success and scope of his games, his ability to challenge and captivate players with innovative gameplay mechanics and immersive worlds is undeniable. As the gaming community continues to be enthralled by FromSoftware’s creations, it is evident that Miyazaki’s underestimated genius will continue to shape the future of gaming for years to come.
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