Hidetaka Miyazaki named one of Time’s 100 most influential people of 2023

Hidetaka Miyazaki has been named one of the 100 most influential people of 2023 by Time magazine.

The From Software president has directed a string of highly influential games including Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Bloodborne and most recently the fantasy blockbuster Elden Ring.

He becomes only the second video game developer to ever be featured on the Time 100 list, following Shigeru Miyamoto in 2007.

The annual list, which notes people of influence from all walks of life including politics, sport and the arts, also this year features US president Joe Biden, Elon Musk, and World Cup winner Lionel Messi.

As is the case with everyone included on the list, Miyazaki’s entry featured a short passage on why he is so influential from another notable person in his field.

Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann wrote: “The first time I played one of Hidetaka Miyazaki’s games, I was miserable. I kept dying on the first enemy over and over again. But when I slowed down my approach, paying attention to the details, it all of a sudden clicked.

“I managed to defeat the enemy and advance further into the game. I earned my progress and felt a sort of rush. As I moved forward in the game, I was much more deliberate and careful in how I explored this world. And in return, the world rewarded me with tension, beauty, and surprises.”

Further reading

Elden Ring named Game of the Year at the Game Developers Choice Awards

From Software’s game won three prizes, as did Sony’s God of War Ragnarök

Elden Ring has sold over 20 million copies since its release in February 2022 and also won numerous Game of the Year awards.

Its first expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, was officially announced earlier this year, although a release date and further details have yet to be been confirmed.