Summary
RenownedElden Ringdirector Hidetaka Miyazaki recently spoke about the future of theDark Soulsfranchise, suggesting he is open to “delegating” the directorial position to others. Since the debut ofDemon’s Soulsin 2009, theSoulsfranchise has grown into one of the most recognizable brands within gaming, defining a genre that became known as “Souls-like” games. The franchise has made developer FromSoftware into a household name, recently winning Game of the Year in 2022 forthe highly-anticipatedElden Ring. Now, Miyazaki could be looking to take a step back from the franchise.
Hidetaka Miyazaki has become something of a legend within the gaming industry, serving as one of the main driving forces behind theDarkSoulsfranchise. Miyazaki has spent 20 years working with FromSoftware, first joining the developer in 2004 as a planner forArmored Core: Last Raven. Miyazaki would go on to serve as director for nearly the entireDark Soulsfranchise, as well as similar FromSoftware games likeBloodborneandSekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Now, a recent interview suggests Miyazaki is open to letting others take the directorial reins.
Elden Ring Director Interested in Stepping Back from Supervisory Role
As reported by VideoGamesChronicle, Miyazaki recently stated in an interview that there is a “high possibility” of futureDark Soulsgames featuring different directors. According to Miyazaki, the director is interested in letting other directors “flourish in their environment” by stepping away from his normal supervisory role overthe Dark Souls games. Miyazaki expressed the unique ideas that come from giving other developers more freedom, citing the “different impetus and ideas” that come from other directors. Miyazaki also reflected fondly on the only game in the franchise where he did not serve as director,Dark Souls 2.
WhileDark Souls 2is remembered as a controversial entry in theDark Soulsfranchise, Miyazaki cited the game as a heavy inspiration for future projects.Dark Souls 2was the first game in the franchise to feature open-world elements, an idea that would later be expanded upon inElden Ring. The newest trailer forElden Ring’s upcomingShadow of the ErdtreeDLC also referencesDark Souls 2, teasing the potential return of hand-to-hand weapons first introduced in the game.
Though Miyazaki may step away from future games, FromSoftware’s newest game is preparing for a major update to come. FromSoftware recently debuted thefirst trailer forElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, confirming the new DLC to release on June 21. The DLC is set to introduce several new areas for players to explore, packed with new enemies to battle and new weapons to acquire.Shadow of the Erdtreelooks to heavily expand on 2022’s Game of the Year and add another chapter to director Hidetaka Miyazaki’s legacy.
