In an industry constantly grappling with controversy, layoffs, and dissatisfaction among both developers and players, especially in recent years, FromSoftware stands out as one of the few to have successfully navigated its way through controversial waters. This isn’t just down to the exceptional quality of their games, such as Elden Ring and Dark Souls, but also their approach to managing their studio and nurturing their staff.
Hidetaka Miyazaki, the man behind FromSoftware’s most acclaimed titles, credits their success to a combination of talented staff, efficient game creation processes, and a healthy workplace environment that avoids the pitfalls of the industry at large.
The gaming industry has been marked by layoffs as companies strive for a more “agile and focused” studio, often at the expense of employee stability and job satisfaction. However, FromSoftware is bucking trends by fostering an environment prioritizing the growth and development of its staff. Miyazaki spoke openly about cultivating inhouse talent, allowing developers to climb the ranks and even take on directorial roles in projects. This approach ensures a steady stream of high-quality releases while contributing to a sense of loyalty and motivation among the team.
As revealed by Miyazaki in an interview with IGN, one of the strategies FromSoftware is employing is making early and decisive calls on their project’s direction. Their ability to quickly iterate, decide, and even discard ideas allows the studio to maintain a brisk pace in game development without sacrificing quality. Additionally, the studio’s reluctance to partake in widespread industry practices such as extensive layoffs further solidifies its reputation as a developer that values its employees and their contributions to the company’s success.
Furthermore, FromSoftware’s focus on core gameplay experiences over trends like live service models and microtransactions allows it carve out a unique niche. Its games are known for their depth, challenge, and immersive worlds, attributes that have garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. The studio’s dedication to crafting a meaningful and engaging single-player experience if derivative of previous works is something that many in the industry could learn from, especially in an era where the push for monetization often comes at the expense of game quality.
FromSoftware’s approach of improving existing mechanics and animations means that it avoids wasting valuable resources creating them from scratch. Also, its games have few NPCs and minimal voice acting. In Elden Ring, the most GOTY’ed game of all time, there isn’t even a lot of quest tracking or tutorials. The studio focused most of its attention towards designing the environment and everything in it.
However, FromSoftware isn’t without flaws. Reports of low pay and crunch culture have surfaced, highlighting that even the most revered studios have room for improvement. It’s crucial for the success and sustainability for the industry to address these issues, not just at FromSoftware but across all studios, to ensure that game development remains a viable and fulfilling career path.
Nevertheless, other developers would do well to note FromSoftware’s practices to help foster a healthier and more sustainable industry for developers and players alike.
In the same interview, Miyazaki promised that the upcoming Elden Ring DLC will feature challenging bosses similar to Malenia. Finally, Miyazaki also entertained the possibility of remaking Bloodborne for a more powerful console. Unfortunately, it appears FromSoftware is stepping away from Elden Ring for a while.
