Hidetaka Miyazaki has already made a lasting impression on the history of video games with titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring. As it seems, for now, that might be enough for him.
In 2022, one of the most successful open-world games ever, Elden Ring , was released. In collaboration with none other than Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin, FromSoftware head director Hidetaka Miyazaki crafted an unparalleled dark fantasy spectacle, which is set to receive its first DLC in June. This success is largely based on the genre-defining Demon's Souls and Dark Souls, which also stemmed from Miyazaki's ideas.
In an interview with IGN, the Souls creator revealed that his journey as a director will likely come to an end soon.
"It’s Very Likely That We’ll See New Directors Going Forward" Miyazaki Wants To Take A Step Back
Miyazaki has been the director for almost all Souls-like games from FromSoftware since 2009, with Dark Souls 2 being the only exception. Although this installment of the series is considered the weakest by many fans, Miyazaki finds value in it, as he reveals in the interview. This includes the notion that a change in directors leads to new thematic connections.
This is likely one of the reasons for his decision to step back as director.
Yes, I think it’s very likely that we’ll see new directors going forward. And I think if we do that, I’d like to step away from that supervisory role and give them full direction and full control over those projects. I think really this is the best way and the easiest way for them to flourish within that environment and with those new projects.
He himself was dissatisfied with his role as supervisor for Dark Souls 2 instead of being the director. That's why he would prefer to step back completely from such positions, if other directors were to take the helm in future projects,
In the interview, Miyazaki speaks highly of the FromSoft team, whose members know from the beginning of development exactly where the journey should lead and are confident enough to cut things that no longer fit the projects.
We are just blessed with a great staff who love to create these games and who are, I think you could say, efficient at creating games. [...] We’re able to iterate and we’re able to leave things on the chopping board. We’re able to go ahead with ideas and a quick pace. We’re able to quickly change and quickly decide on the kind of game we want to make.
Someone who has so much trust in their team shouldn't find it difficult to delegate responsibility for upcoming games, and you can tell that Miyazaki made the decision with complete conviction.
With all the sobering news surrounding video game companies, it's refreshing to hear something positive from this world for a change. If Miyazaki entrusts his colleagues with the future of Souls-likes, then we should too.