Even after Elden Ring exploded, Hidetaka Miyazaki says FromSoftware doesn’t make games for anyone: “The motivation is that this is a game I want to see exist”
FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki has outlined the studio's game development philosophy in an interview, explaining that the team does not design titles with a predetermined audience demographic in mind. Instead, the primary motivation is creating games that satisfy the creative team's own desires, treating development as a vehicle for realising the designers' personal artistic vision.
Miyazaki's comments gain particular significance given Elden Ring's exceptional commercial performance in 2022, which established FromSoftware's largest-ever market success. However, the studio has since released Armored Core 6 and the experimental Elden Ring Nightreign rather than pursuing obvious franchise sequels, demonstrating the studio's commitment to creative exploration over conventional approaches to monetising proven commercial success.
- Miyazaki states FromSoftware develops games based on personal creative vision rather than target audience research
- Despite Elden Ring's record 2022 success, the studio released Armored Core 6 and an experimental battle royale instead of sequels
- The studio prioritises artistic direction over commercial expectations to capitalise on proven hits
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FromSoftware is a Japanese video game studio led by Hidetaka Miyazaki. It is known for games such as Dark Souls, Bloodborne and Elden Ring, which combine challenging combat with large worlds for players to explore.
Elden Ring became the studio’s biggest commercial success when it was released in 2022. FromSoftware has also made games in other series, including Armored Core, and has pursued new projects rather than focusing only on direct follow-ups to its most successful titles.
Miyazaki’s comments describe how the studio approaches making games: its starting point is what its developers want to create, rather than a particular type of player. That approach helps explain why its projects can vary in style and subject.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Proponents of FromSoftware's approach argue that prioritising the creative team's genuine interests produces superior games and justifies their strategy both artistically and commercially. The studio's exceptional track record suggests that authentic creative vision resonates most deeply with global audiences, and their continued success after Elden Ring vindicates this philosophy. Respecting developers' talents and freedom ultimately serves all stakeholders better than cynical franchise expansion, demonstrating that artistic integrity and commercial viability are compatible.
The case against
Those with reservations might contend that FromSoftware has genuine responsibilities to employees and shareholders warranting a balance between creative exploration and commercial prudence. A direct Elden Ring sequel need not compromise artistry—many acclaimed works are sequels—and deliberately forgoing proven commercial success poses unnecessary financial risks when those profits could fund even more ambitious experimental projects. Creative vision and responsible stewardship of a major studio need not be opposing values.