Time Magazine’s annual list of the world’s top 100 most influential people has arrived, and the list includes one person from the world of video games. From Software’s Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director of Elden Ring, Bloodborne, and Dark Souls, lands on the list in the “Innovator” section.
Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann profiled Miyazaki for Time, writing that Miyazaki’s games originally made him feel “miserable” because Druckmann’s character died over and over again. But Druckmann, and gamers all over the place who stick with Miyazaki’s games, may end up having a breakthrough. That’s what makes Miyazaki such a great designer, Druckmann said.
“Miyazaki’s games make the player feel accomplished and smart–and it’s all thanks to his and his team’s uncompromising approach. He refuses to overexplain the mechanics or the lore, but rather puts his trust in the player to figure it out on their own,” Druckmann said.
Miyazaki is just the second game designer to land on Time’s annual list, following Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto making the cut in 2007.
Other people who made Time’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world for 2023 includes actors like Colin Farrell, Pedro Pascal, and Jennifer Coolidge, as well as Mr Beast and Doja Cat. Politicians like Joe Biden and Mitch McDonnell made the cut, too, along with Elon Musk, Lionel Messi, Beyonce, Bob Iger, and Brittney Griner. You can see the full list on Time’s website.
Elden Ring was one of 2022’s best-selling games and it’s set to grow further with the launch of its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Developer From Software is hiring for multiple new games, but it remains to be seen what Miyazaki and his team will work on next.
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