Don't Expect Layoffs To Happen At FromSoftware While Miyazaki Is In Charge

Video Games

Jun 22

The game development industry has been rocky over the years, especially in recent times. From employer treatment scandals to mass layoffs to entire studios being shuttered, the landscape has become a bit apprehensive, particularly when large parent companies are involved. FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki has a strong opinion on this subject, aiming to protect those who work at the company. FromSoftware is the developer behind games such as Elden Ring, the Dark Souls series, and the King’s Field games, among many others. In an interview with PC Gamer, Miyazaki spoke on his personal and company-wide views on layoffs.

From the angle of mass layoffs, Miyazaki explained, “Speaking to myself and this company, I want to say that this is not something I would wish on the staff at FromSoftware in a million years.” He continued, “I'm pretty sure our parent company Kadokawa understands that and shares that view.” The Japanese company Kadokawa Corporation is a media conglomerate, meaning they own various companies covering a wide span of media types.

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The FromSoftware president called back to another company in the industry, “I think it was the old ex-president of Nintendo, Iwata-san, who said that 'people who are afraid of losing their jobs are afraid of making good things.' I'm paraphrasing that, but I totally share this view. I think it's true. And I think the people at Kadokawa, our parent company, understand that I hold this view very strongly.” Negative work environments don’t foster quality production, and FromSoftware has several very notable successful products; it would be difficult to continue performing at that standard if jobs were being threatened.

Miyazaki wrapped up his comments with the following statement:

“While we can't say 100%—we can't say with complete certainty what the future's going to hold for From and Kadokawa—at least as long as this company is my responsibility, that's something I would not let happen. So hopefully our players and our fans can take a little bit of assurance from that.”

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