Does Miyazaki like his own games?
The creator of Dark Souls and many other beloved games, Hidetaka Miyazaki, is known for his mastery of game development. But did you know that he doesn’t actually play the games he creates? In a surprising revelation, Miyazaki himself has stated that he doesn’t enjoy playing the games he works on.
Hand-Drawing his way
Miyazaki is not a fan of digital art. Instead, he is a traditional animator who relies on hand-drawn techniques to create his art. This can be seen in his dedication to using old-school animation methods in his games, much to the delight of fans and critics alike. This dedication to his craft has become a hallmark of Miyazaki’s design style.
Famous Mentees
Miyazaki is known for his mentoring skills, which has led to the development of some remarkable games. One of his most notable proteges is Masanobu Endo, who went on to become the director of Demon’s Souls and later the creator of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
Is Miyazaki a Fan of Berserk?
Interestingly, Miyazaki has been a huge fan of Berserk, a popular manga and anime series. It’s not surprising then that games like Dark Souls and Demon’s Souls feature characters and designs influenced by Berserk. Fans of Miyazaki’s work know that references to Berserk are just one of the many things that make his games so unique.
Unlikely Affiliations
While Miyazaki’s love for Berserk is well-known, what might be even more surprising is his affinity for Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio famous for producing films like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. In fact, it was a collaboration with Studio Ghibli that led to the development of the beloved character Nioh, the protagonist of Miyazaki’s most famous game, the Souls series.
His Love for His Mentors
Miyazaki’s dedication to his craft and to the people who help him along the way is inspiring. His love for his mentors, including Yasuo Ĺtsuka, who is widely credited with teaching him the intricacies of animation, is just one example of this.
Unafraid to Fail
Boldly, Miyazaki never hesitates to admit when a game is not to his liking or if he feels he’s strayed from his original vision. With the same openness, he addresses his own criticisms and the needs of his players, showcasing a passion for continuous improvement that has not gone unnoticed by the gaming world.
Table of Comparisions
| Miyazaki’s Gaming Habits | Gaming Habits of Other Creators | |
|---|---|---|
| Games Created | Dark Souls, Demon’s Souls, Sekiro | Not typically created games that don’t enjoy playing |
| Hand-drawn Style | Prefers traditional techniques | Digital art preferred for some creators |
Why Create Games He Won’t Play?
In a bold statement, Miyazaki revealed that he only creates games he believes others will enjoy playing. While it might not necessarily align with his personal tastes, the result is a slew of beloved, challenging, and dark games that his fans cherish.
Miyazaki, a Man of Tradition
For creators who believe that game-making is not just about programming but a craft that requires a deep sense of understanding and connection with the material being created, Miyazaki’s refusal to play his own games may come across as refreshing. By leaving his inner gamer behind, Miyazaki lets his artistic instincts take charge, producing works that showcase a devotion to the art form and have earned him widespread recognition among fans and critics.
In a world where the rise of digital arts and digital games dominate the forefront, Miyazaki’s traditional way of thinking sets him apart and creates a sense of longing for old-school charm and skillful story-telling. Despite his affinity for other mediums and interests like Studio Ghibli, his involvement in the world of game-making gives fans something truly special that no other creators can match – the unadulterated authenticity of Miyazaki’s creations and a unique style that defies age.