Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director of Elden Ring, recently revealed that he drew inspiration from a specific multiplayer game for the upcoming title.
FromSoftware, the developer behind Elden Ring, has consistently integrated online elements into their games, and Elden Ring is no exception. However, the way Elden Ring’s online features function sets it apart from other contemporary multiplayer games.
While Miyazaki did not specify which specific game has inspired the multiplayer aspect of Elden Ring, it is clear that FromSoftware has prioritized developing a distinct online gameplay experience for players. The game’s online component will be an essential aspect of the overall gameplay experience rather than a mere add-on or extra feature.
Given FromSoftware’s history of developing innovative online gameplay, it will be interesting to observe how they apply their skills to Elden Ring. Fans can expect a multiplayer, immersive, and challenging experience, typical of the studio’s signature gameplay style.
Some players may have ventured into the Lands Between alone, others chose to embark on their journey with a companion by utilizing Elden Ring’s unified system. Although the game’s online aspect could be more seamless, it still allows players to join forces and face any dangers that may come their way.
Invasions, a hallmark of FromSoftware’s game design, have also returned in Elden Ring. This system, unique to games like Bloodborne and Dark Souls, provides a distinctive multiplayer experience.
In Elden Ring, solo players can only be invaded by non-playable characters or after using a specific item. The primary purpose of invasions is to balance cooperative play, as having two Tarnished fighting a boss makes the fight considerably more manageable.
After Elden Ring‘s success at the 26th annual DICE Awards, Hidetaka Miyazaki was interviewed by IGN. He was questioned about any new and exciting gaming trends, technologies or concepts that he finds inspiring. Miyazaki expressed interest in continually updating multiplayer elements incorporating technology and game design.
He cited Escape From Tarkov as an example of this type of gameplay. As a game creator and a fan, Miyazaki closely follows these developments and is curious to see how they will evolve.
According to Miyazaki, game developers are consistently improving multiplayer network functionality and game design to change how players participate in the game, often treating them as a resource.Top of Form It is an aspect that Miyazaki finds intriguing and pays attention to.
Escape From Tarkov is a video game that came out in 2017, which combines elements of tactical simulation and first-person shooter (FPS) with those of a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game. Recently, the game’s developers had to take strict measures against a group of cheaters by the developer Battlestate.
Many old and new fans have been curious about what inspired Miyazaki to develop Elden ring. In the same interview, Miyazaki was asked about his thoughts on current multiplayer titles. He responded that he was still determining if it was the latest trend. Still, he found the continuously updated multiplayer elements, in terms of both technology and game design, to be compelling.
AFK farming, a method of acquiring Elden Ring’s currency known as Runes, during invasions was a problem that lasted for a few months last year. Although Elden Ring was not as affected by cheating compared to other FromSoftware games, AFK farming still posed a threat to players who wished to enjoy a fair Player versus Player (PvP) experience.
The farming method involves idling and not actively participating in the game, which makes it disruptive and unfair to players who want to engage in PvP. To combat AFK farmers who hide in inaccessible locations, experienced PvP players had to employ unconventional weapons such as the Jar Cannon.
Upon asking if the success of Elden Ring would impact the creation of future titles, Miyazaki responded that while Elden Ring has been a commercial success, it will not influence FromSoftware’s decision on what game to create next. Their approach is to create games they are passionate about, and commercial success is not a primary factor in their game development process. Essentially, they focus on creating games they genuinely want to make.
Although there were successes and challenges while working on Elden Ring, Miyazaki, and the team had an overall positive experience. They felt excited about what they were creating and aimed to provide players an adventure-filled game world.
Despite this, it cannot be ignored that Elden Ring has been incredibly profitable for both FromSoftware and Bandai Namco, having sold over 20 million units and won multiple Game of the Year awards, including those from DICE, the New York Game Awards, and The Game Awards, in addition to being named IGN’s best game of 2022.