FromSoftware’s Philosophy on Game Difficulty: Fairness is Key
Since the launch of Demon’s Souls in 2009, FromSoftware has carved out a reputation for delivering some of the most punishing gaming experiences available. Dark Souls even boasted a ‘Prepare to Die’ edition, playfully highlighting just how familiar players would become with death over the course of their adventure. Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director behind many of these iconic titles—including the acclaimed Elden Ring—asserts that these notorious difficulty spikes aren’t inherently unfair.
In a recent interview with Game Informer, Miyazaki dove into the thought process behind the rigor that defines FromSoftware’s games. “I know we get a lot of credit saying that our games are difficult, but it’s not a matter of simply cranking up the difficulty; it’s doing so fairly,” he explains. “When players are killed and they can understand why they were killed in an instance, and it feels justified, that makes sense. That’s the game we’re trying to achieve.”
The developers are aware that players might sometimes feel surprised or even frustrated, but that’s all part of the rhythm that comes with FromSoftware releases. You step into an encounter, get taken down, but with every loss, you learn something new—even if the moment was brief. Was that a sudden attack? Or an environmental hazard lurking nearby? The cycle continues until you emerge victorious.
Miyazaki knows that not everyone will agree: “I know a lot of players out there are probably going to disagree: ‘What are you talking about? This game doesn’t make sense! What the heck?'” He insists that they aim to create a learning curve along with a feedback loop that allows players to absorb experiences to improve with every attempt. “We believe in difficult games, but not games that are unjustly or unfairly so,” he adds.
Sure, after countless attempts at taking down Ornstein and Smough, one might understandably share some of that frustration. However, it’s also this very structure that makes FromSoftware’s offerings feel more challenging and fulfilling. Boss encounters can feel relentless, yet they emanate a sense of trust in the player’s potential to conquer these trials. You possess the skills; you just need to discover the right synergy to prevail.
That sentiment might offer little comfort while grappling with Malenia in Elden Ring, I will admit. Still, it’s essential to remember that Miyazaki and his team aren’t out to ruin your day—it’s just part of the experience you sign up for.