Miyazaki Says FromSoftware Avoids a Fixed Game Formula
FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki has explained the studio’s approach to game development, emphasizing that avoiding fixed formulas is central to keeping its games fresh and engaging. In a recent interview with the Guardian, Miyazaki stated that rigid development rules and strict design mandates can lead to conservative, stale games that lack innovation.
The philosophy is evident in FromSoftware’s diverse portfolio. Despite the studio’s renown for its challenging action-RPGs, each major franchise—Bloodborne, Dark Souls, and Elden Ring—represents a distinctly different design approach rather than a repetitive formula. This commitment to evolving design continues with the studio’s upcoming projects.
The Duskbloods, an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2, exemplifies this philosophy. The game draws inspiration from extraction shooters and tabletop games, marking a departure from FromSoftware’s traditional action-RPG roots. This willingness to explore new genres and mechanics underscores Miyazaki’s assertion that creative growth requires breaking from established patterns rather than refining them endlessly.