Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, recently shared his preparation routine for the highly anticipated game in an interview with The Guardian. Despite his admitted lack of skill in video games, Miyazaki revealed that he played through the main story of Elden Ring, utilizing all the assistance and knowledge at his disposal to overcome challenges. He emphasized the freedom and open-world nature of Elden Ring, which he believes lowered the barrier to entry for players like himself.
Miyazaki’s approach to using summons and other items for assistance in the game may resonate with many players who adopt similar strategies. He expressed his lack of shame in utilizing these tools to take on formidable enemies in the game, acknowledging the support of his Mimic Tear companion. This perspective from the game’s director can be reassuring for players who may face criticism for their gameplay choices.
While Miyazaki immersed himself in the game before its release, he mentioned that he typically avoids playing a new game extensively after its launch. He explained that discovering overlooked elements or issues in the game as a player could be frustrating, as he would be unable to make significant changes once the game is released to the public.
Despite minor technical issues like micro-stutters, FromSoftware has addressed graphics issues and adjusted the player’s capabilities through patches to enhance the gaming experience. The success of Shadow of the Erdtree is evident in its achievement of over 700,000 concurrent players on Steam following the DLC release, approaching the all-time record set by Elden Ring in 2022.
Miyazaki also reflected on the evolving landscape of game development, noting the increased pressure to deliver successful projects due to the growing budgets and scope of games. He emphasized the importance of managing risks and allowing room for failure in projects, highlighting FromSoftware’s approach to mitigating risks by partnering with financiers for their projects.
In conclusion, Hidetaka Miyazaki’s insights into his preparation for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree offer a glimpse into the director’s creative process and approach to game development. As players continue to explore the vast world of Elden Ring, Miyazaki’s perspective adds depth to the appreciation of the game’s challenges and successes.