Does Miyazaki Like His Own Games? Exploring the Mind of a Gaming Genius
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The question of whether Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind the Dark Souls series and Elden Ring, likes his own games is surprisingly nuanced. The simple answer is: not really, at least not in the way you might expect. He doesn’t typically play his own games after they’re released. This isn’t out of dislike, but stems from a deliberate “personal policy,” allowing him to maintain a fresh perspective and avoid revisiting old creative decisions. However, this doesn’t mean he lacks affection for his creations. He openly admits a deep fondness for Bloodborne, calling it the game that left the biggest mark on him. He deeply appreciates Starscourge Radahn from Elden Ring, citing his design and the festival surrounding him as particularly compelling. So, while he may not actively play them, Miyazaki holds a distinct admiration and pride for his work, particularly specific elements within his games. He values the experience he gained creating them far more than the act of playing them.
The Curious Case of Miyazaki’s Relationship with His Games
Miyazaki’s aversion to playing his own games stems from a desire to retain a fresh perspective. He feels that playing them after release would rob him of the surprise and discovery that players experience. By not playing them, he can better distance himself from the creative process and approach future projects with a clear mind. He wants to ensure that players have a completely unique and impactful experience as they explore his worlds, overcome challenges, and piece together the stories he weaves. He is deeply interested in how others perceive and interact with his games, and this feedback informs his creative direction for future projects.
Bloodborne: The Exception That Proves the Rule
Despite his general avoidance, Bloodborne stands out as a particularly beloved project for Miyazaki. While he acknowledges potential areas for improvement, it is clear he holds this gothic, Lovecraftian action RPG in high regard. The article from GameSpot Brazil highlights that Bloodborne is the game that left the biggest mark on him. This is telling, suggesting that the unique blend of challenging gameplay, atmospheric world-building, and intricate lore resonated deeply with him.
Radahn: A Favorite Boss
Within the sprawling world of Elden Ring, Starscourge Radahn holds a special place in Miyazaki’s heart. He appreciates the character’s design and the elaborate festival that accompanies his boss fight. This choice reveals Miyazaki’s fascination with creating compelling narratives and memorable encounters. The Radahn fight is not just about defeating a powerful enemy; it’s about participating in a grand spectacle with profound lore implications.
FAQs: Unveiling More About Miyazaki
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the fascinating world and creative mind of Hidetaka Miyazaki:
1. Does Miyazaki ever play any video games at all?
Yes, Miyazaki is a fan of video games. He particularly enjoys older games as they often offer new ways to experience them. It is not clear if he plays newer games, as he is very busy overseeing new productions.
2. Why doesn’t Miyazaki play the Demon’s Souls remake?
Miyazaki has stated that revisiting his earlier work brings up “old emotions, a lot of old memories,” which he prefers to avoid. He is, however, happy that new players are enjoying the remake.
3. What inspired Bloodborne’s unique aesthetic?
Bloodborne draws inspiration from the works of H. P. Lovecraft and Bram Stoker, as well as the architectural design of real-world locations in Romania and Czechia.
4. Is Miyazaki influenced by the Legend of Zelda series?
Yes. Many fans and players have noticed the similarity of the Souls games to the Zelda games in terms of exploration, combat, and adventure. This is because Miyazaki is a big fan of the Zelda series.
5. Is Miyazaki involved in the development of all FromSoftware games?
No, Miyazaki typically serves as director on major titles, but other talented individuals lead development on various projects within FromSoftware.
6. What are Miyazaki’s thoughts on Disney?
According to older comments, Miyazaki has actually said he does not like Disney. However, his views may have changed over time.
7. Why does Hayao Miyazaki (the animator) create strong female protagonists?
Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder, creative director, and producer behind most of the studio’s award-winning movies, has stated that he gets inspired by the female staff at his office to create the beloved cast of diverse and inclusive female characters.
8. Did Miyazaki (Hayao) work on Little Nemo?
Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata worked for a year between 1982-1983, but ultimately left due to creative differences with the American production company; Miyazaki later called it “the worst experience” of his career.
9. Who was Hayao Miyazaki’s mentor?
Yasuo Ōtsuka was considered to be one of Japan’s foremost animators, and he was an important mentor to both Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata.
10. What makes Hayao Miyazaki’s animation style so unique?
His skill at depicting human movement has played a big part in his success. Miyazaki does not favour 3D animation styles like many animators. Japanese anime is characterised by a flat, 2D, hand-drawn look, and Miyazaki has always been a staunch proponent of traditional hand-drawn techniques.
11. Is Miyazaki a fan of Berserk?
Miyazaki is apparently a huge fan of Berserk’s protagonist, Guts, as there are weapons in the games that are almost carbon copies of the armaments the Black Swordsman uses in the legendary manga as well as numerous other references.
12. Why did Hayao Miyazaki refuse his Oscar?
His refusal to attend the show, citing America’s invasion of Iraq as the reason, put the Academy at the center of a political debate.
13. Why does Hayao Miyazaki not like anime?
There are a lot of stereotypes in anime, and Miyazaki does not seem to like that and that can be seen from the details of his films that explore feminist, environmentalist, and anti-war themes with complex characters.
14. What kind of themes does Hayao Miyazaki explore in his films?
Hayao Miyazaki’s films typically explore feminist, environmentalist, and anti-war themes with complex characters.
15. What does Miyazaki think of Bloodborne PSX?
Miyazaki believes Bloodborne could have used a bit more polish prior to release, despite his deep fondness for the game.
In conclusion, while Hidetaka Miyazaki may not actively play his own games after release, it’s not due to a lack of appreciation. His unique approach allows him to maintain a fresh perspective and continue pushing the boundaries of game design. His fondness for Bloodborne and specific elements within Elden Ring, like Radahn, reveal a deep connection to his creations, albeit one that prioritizes the player experience above all else. To further explore the impact of gaming and education, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.