Hidetaka Miyazaki was born in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. He grew up in a relatively impoverished environment, fueling his imagination as books and fantastical stories became an escape and source of inspiration. His childhood fostered a strong interest in reading and exploring imaginary worlds, elements that would later become hallmarks of his game design philosophy.

Miyazaki attended Keio University, where he studied social sciences. While seemingly unrelated to game development, this academic background likely provided him with a broader understanding of human behavior, societies, and storytelling techniques, which subtly influenced his later creative endeavors. This foundation of study allowed him to view the world through a wide lens, granting him a wider scope for storytelling.

After a brief stint working at Oracle, Miyazaki, around 25 years old, joined FromSoftware as a game planner. Feeling unfulfilled in his previous role, he saw the opportunity to work in video game development as a chance to pursue his passion and create something meaningful. He took a significant pay cut to join, demonstrating his dedication to the industry and his belief in his potential to make a difference.

Miyazaki took on the role of project lead for "Demon's Souls" after the original project was deemed a failure by other members of the development team. He saw an opportunity to revitalize the game, implementing his own vision of challenging but fair gameplay, intricate world-building, and a unique online multiplayer system. This was his opportunity to put all of his passion and previous studies to work.

"Demon's Souls" was released in Japan to initially lukewarm reception, but gradually gained a cult following due to its unique difficulty and rewarding gameplay. Word-of-mouth spread internationally, leading to a worldwide release and critical acclaim. This success established Miyazaki's reputation as a visionary game director known for challenging and rewarding experiences, marking the beginning of the 'Souls-like' genre.

"Dark Souls", a spiritual successor to "Demon's Souls", was released to widespread critical and commercial success. Its interconnected world, challenging combat, and cryptic lore captivated players worldwide, solidifying Miyazaki's status as a leading figure in the gaming industry and transforming FromSoftware into a major player. "Dark Souls" popularized the "Souls-like" genre to a wider audience, influencing countless other games.

Miyazaki was promoted to president of FromSoftware. Despite taking on the responsibilities of leading the company, he remained actively involved in game development, continuing to direct and design key titles. This demonstrates his commitment to creative work, even while handling the business aspects of the studio.

"Bloodborne", a PlayStation 4 exclusive, was released to critical acclaim. With its gothic horror setting, faster-paced combat, and Lovecraftian influences, "Bloodborne" demonstrated Miyazaki's willingness to experiment and innovate within the established 'Souls-like' formula. It further solidified his reputation for creating visually stunning and atmospherically rich games.

"Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" introduced significant changes to the formula, emphasizing stealth, posture-based combat, and a more structured narrative. The title earned the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards 2019, showcasing Miyazaki's versatility and ability to create critically acclaimed games that push the boundaries of game design.

"Elden Ring", a collaboration with author George R.R. Martin, was released to universal acclaim. The game's expansive open world, deep lore, and challenging gameplay resonated with players and critics alike, becoming a massive commercial success and winning numerous Game of the Year awards. It represents the pinnacle of Miyazaki's game design philosophy, blending challenging gameplay with rich world-building and player agency.

Hidetaka Miyazaki continues to lead FromSoftware and shape the future of the gaming industry. His unique approach to game design has inspired countless developers and captivated players worldwide. His influence can be seen across various genres, and fans eagerly anticipate his future projects, eager to see what innovative and challenging experiences he will deliver next. He remains a significant player in the gaming community.