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[Bloodborne] 4Gamer Interview with Hidetaka Miyazaki - [Fully Translated]
bigboss370
Member
>_>
<_<
*takes off pants*
HORRORSHØW
Member
i really hope they show something new for gamescom and tgs.
SatelliteOfLove
Member
Auteur and master in one.
It is SO wonderful to be recieving the fruits of one of these geniuses.
It is SO wonderful to be recieving the fruits of one of these geniuses.
dddooozzz9
Neo Member
Thanks for the translation about full interview!
SargerusBR
I love Pokken!
Even Miyazaki knows a sequel to Demon Souls is not needed
Pound_lb003
Member
He's so wrong. I want to go back to that world, bad.
Kyleripman
Member
Great read, thanks for the translation, OP!
BRocknRolla
Member
Thanks for the translation! A very interesting read.
Thanks for the translation Zefah, really appreaciated.
This is very interesting part on both Miyazakia as a creative person and FromSoft's way of handling their talent. It's good to see that Miyazaki is type of creative person that wouldn't be bogged down by his past work no matter how successful they are. Though the result of handing out Dark Souls 2 to a new person not really successful, giving chance to other might be beneficial in the long run.
This is very interesting part on both Miyazakia as a creative person and FromSoft's way of handling their talent. It's good to see that Miyazaki is type of creative person that wouldn't be bogged down by his past work no matter how successful they are. Though the result of handing out Dark Souls 2 to a new person not really successful, giving chance to other might be beneficial in the long run.
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
Here are the last couple of parts. Not a ton about Bloodborne, but some cool stuff about From/Miyazaki's philosophy and the development of Demon's Souls.
Creating Something Special
4Gamer:
Another question I had was if the teams working on Bloodborne and Dark Souls II are completely different or not.
Miyazaki:
They are totally separate teams.
At From Software, we have the development resources to work on two so-called high-end games simultaneously. Bloodborne is one of those titles, and weve been working on it in parallel with Dark Souls II.
4Gamer:
In terms of games being developed domestically in Japan, I feel that Bloodborne is definitely one of the bigger projects. At the same time, people are always talking about how Japan has a tough time competing head-on with the so-called triple-A game studios overseas, and that Japanese developers have to approach things from a slightly different angle. Are you conscious of that at all when developing games?
Miyazaki:
Thats a tricky topic.
Speaking strictly about Bloodborne, the project has become quite large, but at the same time, I think that our particular style is still very much intact.
Its not so much a conscious decision that we keep our unique style intact, but more that it just happens naturally. Either way, the result is that we probably do end up approaching things somewhat differently.
4Gamer:
When you say it naturally ends up that way, is that because the development team structure ultimately has you making the decisions?
Miyazaki:
Thats not necessarily always the reason, but it may be one.
When it comes to game design, our style is to not have a lead designer, but instead have the director work directly with the individual designers.
That, of course, has both a good and bad side. The good side is that you dont lose sight of what you set out to make, and its easier to make your unique style shine through, but on the other hand, there are physical limitations. For as much as the structure allows you to you really stay on target, its also easy to become immobilized.
4Gamer:
It also heavily depends on who is the director.
Miyazaki:
Thats right. In the end, you have to find the right team structure for the people creating the game. For example, we adopted different styles for Bloodborne and Dark Souls II.
However, regardless of all that, for us at From Software, the base premise is always to make a good game--we all want to make something special. Were always conscious of that.
You can call that our unique style, or being From-like, but whatever it is, it comes down to being something special. I dont intend to define what something special means, but I think its something that has value, and I want From Software to continue being a company that has it.
Staying Involved in Game Development
4Gamer:
Theres another thing thats been on my mind that Id like to ask you about. Recently, it was announced that you would be taking on the position of president at From Software.
Miyazaki:
Yes, thats correct
4Gamer:
So I think theres a bit of concern, or should I say "worry," among fans about just how much you can be involved in the day-to-day development while also serving as the president of the company. You are definitely the director on Bloodborne, right? Not a producer or anything?
Miyazaki:
Yes. On Bloodborne, I am 100% the director.
4Gamer:
Oh, that sure is a relief! But are you able to keep up your presidential duties at the same time?
Miyazaki:
Yeah, Im getting by. I learned a lot from developing Dark Souls, so I have another person at the director level supporting me on this project, and Im finding a way to make things work.
Since this interview is about Bloodborne, Id rather not talk too much about my role as president of From Software, but simply put, one of my conditions for taking on the role of president was that I would be able to remain involved in the day-to-day game development.
4Gamer:
Conditions?
Miyazaki:
Yes. It might not have been the best idea to set conditions when they were offering me the position of president, but my personal goal has always been to create games.
4Gamer:
I think I understand how you feel.
Miyazaki:
The previous president, Jin, was really understanding in this regard. Anyway, I am definitely the director of Bloodborne, and my becoming president will not lessen my involvement in any way.
4Gamer:
This is a bit of a tangent, but your first project to work as a director was Armored Core 4, right?
Miyazaki:
Thats right. I started as the lead planner on the project, but became the director mid-way through the prototype phase. As the lead planner, I was in charge of the setting, story, design, and the game systems. One of the more distinctive features I worked on was the Quick Boost mechanic.
4Gamer:
Oh, really? I remember feeling that Armored Core 4 and the sequel Armored Core for Answer felt even more video gamey than previous Armored Core titles, so I guess that was due to your involvement.
Miyazaki:
But with Armored Core for Answer, we were working on that in parallel with Demons Souls, so there were quite a few challenges. When Demons Souls was in the initial planning stages, and right around the time it was entering the prototype phase, I came on as the director, and at the time, it was a completely different and very difficult project compared to what it ended up becoming.
4Gamer:
Is that so?
Miyazaki:
Yes. One thing I remember was that the camera perspective was completely different.
At the time, the plan was to make it first-person, or more specifically, a game in which you switched between first and third-person perspectives.
4Gamer:
Wow, really?
Miyazaki:
Yeah. At the time, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a really big deal, and I think SCE wanted a game similar to that.
From my perspective, though, I didnt think we could compete by taking the same approach as Oblivion, so I wanted to focus more on gameplay elements like battles and exploration, and had to do a lot to convince everyone that a third-person camera was the way to go.
4Gamer:
What did you say to convince them?
Miyazaki:
I started by explaining the direction of the game. I just mentioned the focus on battles and exploration, and in order to facilitate those, I knew that a locked third-person camera was the best way to go, so I explained my logic.
Whether you take the environment layout, the object and enemy placement, or the back-and-forth action in battle, I knew we couldnt do our best work unless the camera perspective was set. Even talking about the multiplayer elements and other facets of gameplay, I believed a third-person perspective was best. I said a lot of stuff like that, and whatever came to mind to convince them (laughs).
Making It Exciting
4Gamer:
I think were running out of time, but is there anything youd like to say to our readers and your fans?
Miyazaki:
Sure. To kind of summarize what weve talked about, Id like to say that Bloodborne is a game thats been full of challenges for usits an all-new game that were developing on new hardware.
However, the underlying philosophy of the game is the same as the projects weve worked on up until nowwe want to make games with satisfying gameplay that are fun for people who like games, for example.
4Gamer:
Being able to talk to you today, and seeing the game in motion has really put some of my fears to rest.
Miyazaki:
I can only hope that fans will also rest at ease, but at the same time get excited for all of the new stuff we have in the game.
4Gamer:
I feel like there arent a lot of games these days that people can get excited about just from reading about them, but I think people might be quite excited for this game!
Miyazaki:
If thats true, I couldnt be happier. As a gamer myself, I love getting excited for games.
4Gamer:
Just to be completely sure, allow me to ask one final time, but your becoming president of From Software wont have any negative effect on Bloodborne, right?
Miyazaki:
Definitely not. Even when Jin was in charge, From Software was never a company where the president couldnt be involved in game development.
4Gamer:
So I guess the roles of president and game director arent entirely conflicting then. Perhaps thats especially true at From Software.
Miyazaki:
Thats right. Of course, there are duties I need to take care of as president, but everything comes back to making a good product and a good game. If thats the case, then of course its also a good thing for me as a game creator.
4Gamer:
Is that the case?
Miyazaki:
It sure hope so (laughs)!
Anyway, although the release is still a ways out, I hope everyone will look forward to Bloodborne. Thanks for your time today.
4Gamer:
Thank you!
Creating Something Special
4Gamer:
Another question I had was if the teams working on Bloodborne and Dark Souls II are completely different or not.
Miyazaki:
They are totally separate teams.
At From Software, we have the development resources to work on two so-called high-end games simultaneously. Bloodborne is one of those titles, and weve been working on it in parallel with Dark Souls II.
4Gamer:
In terms of games being developed domestically in Japan, I feel that Bloodborne is definitely one of the bigger projects. At the same time, people are always talking about how Japan has a tough time competing head-on with the so-called triple-A game studios overseas, and that Japanese developers have to approach things from a slightly different angle. Are you conscious of that at all when developing games?
Miyazaki:
Thats a tricky topic.
Speaking strictly about Bloodborne, the project has become quite large, but at the same time, I think that our particular style is still very much intact.
Its not so much a conscious decision that we keep our unique style intact, but more that it just happens naturally. Either way, the result is that we probably do end up approaching things somewhat differently.
4Gamer:
When you say it naturally ends up that way, is that because the development team structure ultimately has you making the decisions?
Miyazaki:
Thats not necessarily always the reason, but it may be one.
When it comes to game design, our style is to not have a lead designer, but instead have the director work directly with the individual designers.
That, of course, has both a good and bad side. The good side is that you dont lose sight of what you set out to make, and its easier to make your unique style shine through, but on the other hand, there are physical limitations. For as much as the structure allows you to you really stay on target, its also easy to become immobilized.
4Gamer:
It also heavily depends on who is the director.
Miyazaki:
Thats right. In the end, you have to find the right team structure for the people creating the game. For example, we adopted different styles for Bloodborne and Dark Souls II.
However, regardless of all that, for us at From Software, the base premise is always to make a good game--we all want to make something special. Were always conscious of that.
You can call that our unique style, or being From-like, but whatever it is, it comes down to being something special. I dont intend to define what something special means, but I think its something that has value, and I want From Software to continue being a company that has it.
Staying Involved in Game Development
4Gamer:
Theres another thing thats been on my mind that Id like to ask you about. Recently, it was announced that you would be taking on the position of president at From Software.
Miyazaki:
Yes, thats correct
4Gamer:
So I think theres a bit of concern, or should I say "worry," among fans about just how much you can be involved in the day-to-day development while also serving as the president of the company. You are definitely the director on Bloodborne, right? Not a producer or anything?
Miyazaki:
Yes. On Bloodborne, I am 100% the director.
4Gamer:
Oh, that sure is a relief! But are you able to keep up your presidential duties at the same time?
Miyazaki:
Yeah, Im getting by. I learned a lot from developing Dark Souls, so I have another person at the director level supporting me on this project, and Im finding a way to make things work.
Since this interview is about Bloodborne, Id rather not talk too much about my role as president of From Software, but simply put, one of my conditions for taking on the role of president was that I would be able to remain involved in the day-to-day game development.
4Gamer:
Conditions?
Miyazaki:
Yes. It might not have been the best idea to set conditions when they were offering me the position of president, but my personal goal has always been to create games.
4Gamer:
I think I understand how you feel.
Miyazaki:
The previous president, Jin, was really understanding in this regard. Anyway, I am definitely the director of Bloodborne, and my becoming president will not lessen my involvement in any way.
4Gamer:
This is a bit of a tangent, but your first project to work as a director was Armored Core 4, right?
Miyazaki:
Thats right. I started as the lead planner on the project, but became the director mid-way through the prototype phase. As the lead planner, I was in charge of the setting, story, design, and the game systems. One of the more distinctive features I worked on was the Quick Boost mechanic.
4Gamer:
Oh, really? I remember feeling that Armored Core 4 and the sequel Armored Core for Answer felt even more video gamey than previous Armored Core titles, so I guess that was due to your involvement.
Miyazaki:
But with Armored Core for Answer, we were working on that in parallel with Demons Souls, so there were quite a few challenges. When Demons Souls was in the initial planning stages, and right around the time it was entering the prototype phase, I came on as the director, and at the time, it was a completely different and very difficult project compared to what it ended up becoming.
4Gamer:
Is that so?
Miyazaki:
Yes. One thing I remember was that the camera perspective was completely different.
At the time, the plan was to make it first-person, or more specifically, a game in which you switched between first and third-person perspectives.
4Gamer:
Wow, really?
Miyazaki:
Yeah. At the time, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was a really big deal, and I think SCE wanted a game similar to that.
From my perspective, though, I didnt think we could compete by taking the same approach as Oblivion, so I wanted to focus more on gameplay elements like battles and exploration, and had to do a lot to convince everyone that a third-person camera was the way to go.
4Gamer:
What did you say to convince them?
Miyazaki:
I started by explaining the direction of the game. I just mentioned the focus on battles and exploration, and in order to facilitate those, I knew that a locked third-person camera was the best way to go, so I explained my logic.
Whether you take the environment layout, the object and enemy placement, or the back-and-forth action in battle, I knew we couldnt do our best work unless the camera perspective was set. Even talking about the multiplayer elements and other facets of gameplay, I believed a third-person perspective was best. I said a lot of stuff like that, and whatever came to mind to convince them (laughs).
Making It Exciting
4Gamer:
I think were running out of time, but is there anything youd like to say to our readers and your fans?
Miyazaki:
Sure. To kind of summarize what weve talked about, Id like to say that Bloodborne is a game thats been full of challenges for usits an all-new game that were developing on new hardware.
However, the underlying philosophy of the game is the same as the projects weve worked on up until nowwe want to make games with satisfying gameplay that are fun for people who like games, for example.
4Gamer:
Being able to talk to you today, and seeing the game in motion has really put some of my fears to rest.
Miyazaki:
I can only hope that fans will also rest at ease, but at the same time get excited for all of the new stuff we have in the game.
4Gamer:
I feel like there arent a lot of games these days that people can get excited about just from reading about them, but I think people might be quite excited for this game!
Miyazaki:
If thats true, I couldnt be happier. As a gamer myself, I love getting excited for games.
4Gamer:
Just to be completely sure, allow me to ask one final time, but your becoming president of From Software wont have any negative effect on Bloodborne, right?
Miyazaki:
Definitely not. Even when Jin was in charge, From Software was never a company where the president couldnt be involved in game development.
4Gamer:
So I guess the roles of president and game director arent entirely conflicting then. Perhaps thats especially true at From Software.
Miyazaki:
Thats right. Of course, there are duties I need to take care of as president, but everything comes back to making a good product and a good game. If thats the case, then of course its also a good thing for me as a game creator.
4Gamer:
Is that the case?
Miyazaki:
It sure hope so (laughs)!
Anyway, although the release is still a ways out, I hope everyone will look forward to Bloodborne. Thanks for your time today.
4Gamer:
Thank you!
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
I was going to update the OP with the full text, but it's too long. 24,412 characters with spaces and the post limit is 24,000 characters. Boo!
If any kind mod sees this, would it be possible to have *this* post moved to be the second post so I can split it across the first two posts? If not, no problem, too.
If any kind mod sees this, would it be possible to have *this* post moved to be the second post so I can split it across the first two posts? If not, no problem, too.
lmao, I read this part while imagining the interviewer doing the sweating animation from Animal Crossing.
I can't do that, unfortunately. However, I sacrificed some early posts so that you have two posts in a row at the start of the thread now.
IAmRandom31
Banned
He sounds like such a brilliant director. I especially love his talk about finding beauty in darkness and how that is one of the themes of Bloodborne. Along with the theme of making every fight feel like a true fight for your life.
Can't freakin wait. Very nice interview. Sony struck gold with this one. A Miyazaki game with this level of production and fidelity and with this style and this setting? God help my share button.
Can't freakin wait. Very nice interview. Sony struck gold with this one. A Miyazaki game with this level of production and fidelity and with this style and this setting? God help my share button.
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
Thanks for doing that (sorry to anyone whose post got sacrificed! Just updated the OP and second post with the full translation.
I bet they really wanted to do something like Oblivion. Open-world and all. This was 2006 era Sony, and was really before the realities of HD development had crashed down on so many Japanese developers.
I can see why Shuhei Yoshida was so negative about Demon's Souls if he was initially hoping for something like The Elder Scrolls.
I'm surprised that Miyazaki able to convince Sony in the end so we got the Demon's Souls we know.
This man is a true genius of game making.Just the way he wants to convey emotions,art and lore strictly through the gameplay and environments is so inspiring.
This also really impressed me.Despite his success with Souls he gave the established franchise to others and is taking risks with something new instead.
Clearly a person with a very clear vision with what he wants to do with his games and as such one of the greatest game makers.
Thanks for the translation.Deeply appreciated.
Miyazaki said:
This also really impressed me.Despite his success with Souls he gave the established franchise to others and is taking risks with something new instead.
Clearly a person with a very clear vision with what he wants to do with his games and as such one of the greatest game makers.
Thanks for the translation.Deeply appreciated.
From seems to be growing so organically. The next person just stepping up. Not much if any outsourcing. It's really refreshing to see. Miyazaki really seems to value what should be most important to a development studio. It's great to see them be rewarded for it commercially.
I hope the Dark Souls 2 team is free to take an even bigger step away from Souls games after the DLC is completed and released.
I hope the Dark Souls 2 team is free to take an even bigger step away from Souls games after the DLC is completed and released.
Seems they are going through a renaissance or golden age of sorts.
I have a feeling(or strongly hope) that FromSoft will take the place of one of the once great Japanese houses(SE,Capcom etc) over the course of this generation.The already did last gen but it will be "official" this gen.
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
I just hope the buyout by Kadokawa doesn't negatively affect their direction.
Dr. Kitty Muffins
Member
I hope this is one of many more collaborations between From Software and Sony. They seem to have a winning combination on their hands.
There is no reason to think that it will,as long as the games remain financially successful.
We are extremely fortunate that they are.
Sentenza
Member
I actually hope after this game they can go back to multiplatform development.
SolidSnakex
Member
He says in this interview that they have two teams that are set up for major projects. So they're probably already working on a separate multiplatform game.
Yeah its almost too good to be true.
Team Silent is an example of amazing developers that are sorely missed and whose creations simply couldn't continue on.
But the world gave us Miyazaki and From ,and for that I am extremely grateful.
This includes Dark Souls 2 "B" team as well.
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
Seriously. The interviewer even wrote some of his opinion at the end of the interview where he basically called Miyazaki a genius.
I mirror your B team sentiments, as well. I'm a much bigger fan of Dark Souls II than a lot of people around here, and in my book at least, if that's their "B team," then they have nothing to worry about.
Absolutely yes.
I must thank you again for the interview translation.I feel energized after reading it.
SargerusBR
I love Pokken!
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
No, problem. I translated the original Dark Souls II 4Gamer interview (same interviewer as this one) and people seemed to like it, so I figured I'd do the same for this.
As someone who is very excited for Bloodborne, I'm glad I can share the content with everyone here.
Krusenstern
Banned
Good interview. Thanks for the translation, Zefah.
I like to hear that From will stay true to their philosophy.
It also funny that the interviewer asked him mutliple times if he really directed the game despite his new position as president.
The interview also confirms that it's definitely not the Dark Souls 2 team that is working on Bloodborne, which makes me happy.
I like to hear that From will stay true to their philosophy.
It also funny that the interviewer asked him mutliple times if he really directed the game despite his new position as president.
The interview also confirms that it's definitely not the Dark Souls 2 team that is working on Bloodborne, which makes me happy.
Night Angel
Member
^IIRC it was confirmed in the other thread.
After reading all of this and playing DS2, I am fully behind the B-Team theory. It was good, but it was missing something...
Excellent work, Zefah. The interview was a great read. Everything I see/hear about this game gets me so hype.
After reading all of this and playing DS2, I am fully behind the B-Team theory. It was good, but it was missing something...
Excellent work, Zefah. The interview was a great read. Everything I see/hear about this game gets me so hype.
Fimbulvetr
Member
Let me add my voice to the chorus of those giving thanks for the translation.
What a wonderful piece, informative on both the individual game and Miyazaki and From's development philosophies in general. Interviews like this are very rare, at least in western mainstream media. This is reminiscent of Iwata Asks, but it's on a game that has yet to be released, and it's from an external source. Great to see.
What a wonderful piece, informative on both the individual game and Miyazaki and From's development philosophies in general. Interviews like this are very rare, at least in western mainstream media. This is reminiscent of Iwata Asks, but it's on a game that has yet to be released, and it's from an external source. Great to see.