Hidetaka Miyazaki, the president and creator of FromSoftware, has assured that mass layoffs will not occur at the studio as long as he remains in charge.
In an interview with PC Gamer, Miyazaki addressed the issue of layoffs within the broader gaming industry, referencing the closure of several studios under Embracer. He emphasized his commitment to preventing such measures at FromSoftware, stating, “I want to say that this is not something I would wish on the staff at FromSoftware in a million years.”
Miyazaki drew a comparison to the late Satoru Iwata, former president of Nintendo, who famously took a pay cut to avoid layoffs. “I think it was the old ex-president of Nintendo, Iwata-san, who said that ‘people who are afraid of losing their jobs are afraid of making good things.’ I’m paraphrasing that, but I totally share this view,” Miyazaki said.
He further commented on the understanding and support from FromSoftware’s parent company, Kadokawa, regarding his stance on layoffs. “While we can’t say 100% what the future holds for From and Kadokawa, at least as long as this company is my responsibility, that’s something I would not let happen.”
The Future of FromSoftware
In a separate interview with Gamespot, Miyazaki discussed the evolving identity of FromSoftware and the trust placed in the studio by its players. He emphasized the importance of creating value, stating, “If you look at it more broadly, I think it all comes down to creating and providing that value to gamers and being able to do that at 100 percent.”
He acknowledged the new directors and designers at the company who may have different specific ideas but highlighted the overall objective of creating a conducive environment for innovation and quality.
Trust and Fan Support
Miyazaki expressed gratitude towards the fans for their trust in the brand, which has significantly boosted the sales of titles like Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. “I am very thankful for the fans who have responded and embraced that trust that we’ve built together,” he said.
Regarding future projects, Miyazaki mentioned his enduring interest in dark fantasy settings and overcoming challenges, even as the company continues to evolve. Notably, he mentioned in a previous interview that he still hasn’t achieved his vision of an “ideal fantasy RPG.”
Industry Trends and Japanese Studios
Despite widespread layoffs impacting much of the gaming industry—over 10,000 in 2024 so far—Japanese studios have largely avoided such measures. For instance, Capcom announced a salary increase for all employees this year.
Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree is set to release this week on June 21, across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles.
Wrapping Up
FromSoftware remains committed to its workforce and the quality of its games under Miyazaki’s leadership. Fans of the studio can look forward to upcoming releases and continue to place their trust in the FromSoftware brand. For more updates and details, visit HitPlay.
