FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki discusses his creative philosophy and his upcoming multiplayer game, The Duskbloods.

Hidetaka Miyazaki, the president of FromSoftware and creator of the "Soulslike" genre, is preparing to release his latest project, The Duskbloods. The game is a multiplayer title exclusive to the Switch 2 that diverges from his typical single-player action games. Miyazaki, who has led the studio since 2014, continues to explore themes of ruin, decay, and rebirth in his work.

The Duskbloods Gameplay and Themes

The Duskbloods is a multiplayer game where eight players compete against ghoulish horrors and each other. Survivors are narrowed down over three phases, ending in a final three-way battle. The game incorporates elements of tabletop role-playing games, allowing players to form alliances or become betrothed to one another. Miyazaki describes the game as a departure from his previous work, noting that he feels nervous about the release due to shifting audience tastes.

Creative Philosophy and Recurring Motifs

Miyazaki’s games are known for their mysterious atmospheres and environmental storytelling, where players piece together narratives through item descriptions and world design. His work frequently features recurring motifs such as hands and feet, which he suggests may symbolize human connection or aspects of human existence. These themes are rooted in his personal experiences and interests, including a past incident where a stranger helped him after his car slipped on an icy hill.

Career and Influence

Since the release of 2020’s Demon’s Souls, Miyazaki has significantly influenced the video game industry, with his titles inspiring numerous other developers. His 2022 game, Elden Ring, sold over 30 million copies and earned him a place on Time magazine’s list of most influential people. Miyazaki began his career at FromSoftware as a coder on the Armored Core series before volunteering to lead the project that became Demon’s Souls.