Miyazaki is appointed project lead on Demon's Souls, a game initially considered a risk due to its challenging gameplay and unconventional design.

Demon's Souls is released in Japan. Initial sales are modest, but word-of-mouth spreads quickly due to its unique and challenging gameplay, praising its difficulty and dark fantasy setting.

Demon's Souls is localized and released in North America and Europe. Despite initial skepticism from publishers, the game garners a dedicated cult following and critical acclaim, establishing Miyazaki's reputation for creating challenging and rewarding experiences.

Demon's Souls receives numerous awards and accolades, solidifying Miyazaki's position as a visionary game designer. It also sparks a renewed interest in challenging action RPGs.