From the end of one world to the end of another, FromSoftware has a penchant for the apocalypse.
In an interview with IGN, Armored Core 6 concept creator Hidetaka Miyazaki and director Masaru Yamamura (who was previously lead designer on Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice) talked about the big Game Awards reveal and why FromSoftware seems drawn to the apocalypse setting for their games.
“I would say there are two main reasons why we tend towards these apocalyptic settings,” Miyazaki says. “One is purely direct to taste, and the preference of the game director and game developers.”
Miyazaki cites FromSoftware’s previous CEO Naotoshi Zin who directed King’s Field and the older Armored Core games. “My tastes happen to be similar, so I think that’s why you see a lot of that in modern Soulsborne titles as well. So it does depend on the director’s tastes and personal idiosyncrasies.”
The second reason Miyazaki offered is more technical saying, “a lively bright setting is a little bit beyond FromSoftware’s capability or experiences as a developer.”
According to the Dark Souls and Elden Ring director, it’s “easier” for FromSoftware to “direct and apply our own resources on what we’re good at, and what we’re used to” which in this case is “these kind of darker and drier and quieter apocalyptic settings than livelier and busy ones.”
The latter is surprising considering the studio’s last game, Elden Ring, could be considered its most vibrant world yet. But I suppose compared to other games, even Elden Ring retains a sparse, quietness to it than games of its size.
Armored Core 6 is essentially a reboot of the franchise, but will keep the core ideas that made Armored Core a cult favorite among its fans. Unlike SoulsBorne games, Armored Core 6 will focus on intense mech customizations and will be more combat-focused than exploration.
For more, check out our full interview for Armored Core 6 here.
Matt T.M. Kim is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.
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