Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Hidetaka Miyazaki and FromSoftware have earned a reputation for creating games that have become known for their brutal difficulty and complicated worlds. FromDark SoulsandBloodbornetoElden Ring, their games challenge players with punishing environments and even harder mechanics. And they are intentionally as hard as they are.
But when asked if he’d ever consider lowering the difficulty of these titles, Miyazaki firmly believes otherwise. According to him, reducing the difficulty would not only diminish the sense of achievement but “break the game itself.” This is rooted in his philosophy about how challenge and failure are essential to the experience.
Hidetaka Miyazaki Knows Exactly What He’s Doing
Miyazaki’s philosophy stems from his belief that the world, much like his games, is harsh and unforgiving. This worldview deeply influences the design ofElden Ringand otherFromSoftwaretitles. The challenging gameplay mechanics are deliberate and intended to push players to their limits.
Even Hidetaka Miyazaki Would Be Afraid Of This One Elden Ring Player Who Managed To Beat The Game And The DLC With Unbelievable Odds
According to Miyazaki,overcoming these trialsprovides a unique sense of fulfillment, an emotional payoff that would be lost if the difficulty were watered down. Miyazaki toldThe Guardian:
If we really wanted the whole world to play the game, we could just crank the difficulty down more and more. But that wasn’t the right approach. Had we taken that approach, I don’t think the game would have done what it did.
Miyazaki believes that if he were to ease up on the difficulty,Elden Ringwould lose its sense of achievement. This philosophy reflects Miyazaki’s broader view of game design, where failure is not something to be avoided but embraced as a tool for growth.
The sense of accomplishment that players gain from overcoming hurdles is such a fundamental part of the experience. Turning down difficulty would strip the game of that joy—which, in my eyes, would break the game itself.
Despite its reputation for difficulty,Elden Ringalso introduced more options for players compared to earlier titles. The open-world structure allows players to explore and level up in different areas, rather than forcing them to repeatedly face the same near-impossible boss.
FromSoft And Miyazaki’s Formula Don’t Have To Be For Everyone
WhenElden Ringlaunched in 2022, it quickly became FromSoftware’s most successful game, selling 25 million copies worldwide. While many fans applauded the slightly more approachable structure compared to previous games, others hoped that future expansions might ease the difficulty further.
ELDEN RING has reached 25 million players.pic.twitter.com/opuyQ9ruO4
The release of the game’s first DLC,Shadow of the Erdtree, made it clear that Miyazaki had no intention of reducing the challenge. In fact,the DLC was even harderthan the base game to everyone’s surprise.
“We wanted to make it feel less restrictive”: Elden Ring Players Can Continue Skipping Endurance Leveling Thanks To Hidetaka Miyazaki’s Blessing
The DLC features new bosses and areas that push even experienced players to their limits. Even the best players didn’t have an easy ride. As Miyazaki sees it, this is exactly what his core audience expects and desires.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Reviews:IGN 10/10VideoGamer 10/10PSU 10/10RPG Site 10/10Press Start 10/10GamingBolt 10/10FandomWire 10/10Bazimag 10/10Checkpoint Gaming 10/10Dexerto 10/10ComicBook 10/10VG247 10/10But Why Tho? 10/10Carole Quintaine 10/10GGRecon…pic.twitter.com/aInDYpO9L4
At the same time, Miyazaki knows that not all players will be able to complete his games, but he doesn’t see this as a flaw. For him, the purpose ofElden Ringand otherSoulsbornegames is not to cater to everyone but to offer a FronSoft experience to those willing to invest the time and effort.
In an industry where many developers are pressured to make games more accessible, Miyazaki’s commitment to maintaining difficulty as a central design element is a rare stance. And we gamers love it.
What do you think of Miyazaki’s philosophy? Let us know in the comments!
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1370
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. You can also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
