One of the key components of successful game design is the ability to evoke emotion in the player. Hidetaka Miyazaki, the president of FromSoftware, believes that difficulty plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. He acknowledges that if they wanted everyone to play Elden Ring, they could simply lower the difficulty. Miyazaki’s philosophy is further reinforced by Johan Pilestedt, the CCO and creative director at Arrowhead Game Studios, who also believes that a game for everyone is a game for no one.
Contrary to popular belief, FromSoftware does not design hard bosses solely for the sake of difficulty. According to YouTuber Rurikhan, the challenging nature of the game is intended to make players truly feel the experience. This sentiment is echoed by players who have struggled with defeating bosses like Rellana in Elden Ring, where the sense of accomplishment is deeply intertwined with the level of challenge presented.
Pilestedt emphasizes the importance of catering to a select audience rather than trying to please everyone. He notes that not everyone will resonate with the design philosophy of games like Dark Souls but that is perfectly fine. In fact, by maintaining a certain level of challenge and unique gameplay mechanics, these games are able to stand out in the industry and attract a dedicated fan base.
Arrowhead Game Studios has long adopted the motto “A game for everyone is a game for no one,” which is prominently displayed on their website. This mantra has shaped the development of games like Helldivers 2, where the studio focuses on delivering a specific and challenging experience tailored to a particular audience. By committing to this vision, Arrowhead has been able to create successful games that are beloved by fans.
Arrowhead argues that games should challenge the creativity of the individuals who play them. By presenting players with difficult obstacles and complex gameplay mechanics, games like Helldivers 2 push players to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. This fosters a sense of accomplishment and engagement that is unique to challenging games.
The insights provided by FromSoftware and Arrowhead Game Studios shed light on the importance of game difficulty in creating meaningful and engaging gaming experiences. By embracing challenges and catering to specific audiences, game developers can create games that evoke strong emotions, encourage creativity, and ultimately stand out in the competitive gaming industry.
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