The Balance Between Accessibility and Difficulty in FromSoftware Games

Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki has made it clear that he doesn’t want his games to be too hard to navigate without getting help. In an interview with PC Gamer, Miyazaki mentioned that FromSoftware expects players to seek outside assistance when necessary. While he acknowledges that players may consult guides and online resources for tips and strategies, he emphasized that the development team doesn’t design the games with that as a prerequisite.

Miyazaki expressed a desire to cater to players who prefer to explore the game world organically without relying on external help. He mentioned that there is a distinction between the difficulty of gameplay challenges and the ease of navigation within the game. While some players may struggle with defeating tough bosses, others may find it challenging to navigate complex environments like Blighttown without assistance.

Despite the existing level of accessibility in FromSoftware games, Miyazaki hinted at the possibility of further improvements. He stated that if a player cannot progress without external help, there is room for enhancement on the development team’s part. Miyazaki expressed a commitment to embracing players who prefer to experience the game without external guidance in the future.

For experienced Elden Ring players looking forward to the upcoming DLC, Miyazaki reassured that those who have already completed a significant portion of the base game should be well-prepared for the challenges ahead. The developers have confidence in the abilities of players who have reached a certain level of mastery within the game. However, this may come as a disappointment to players who have yet to overcome the base game’s toughest obstacles.

Hidetaka Miyazaki’s approach to game design strikes a delicate balance between accessibility and difficulty in FromSoftware games. While the studio acknowledges that players may seek external help, they aim to provide a rewarding experience for those who prefer to navigate the game independently. As the gaming community evolves, it will be interesting to see how FromSoftware continues to adapt and refine their approach to accommodate the diverse preferences of their player base.