FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki Discusses The Duskbloods on Nintendo Switch 2: Game Design, Setting, and Multiplayer Ambitions

FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki Discusses The Duskbloods on Nintendo Switch 2: Game Design, Setting, and Multiplayer Ambitions In a detailed look behind the scenes, Hidetaka Miyazaki, director at FromSoftware—renowned for hit series such as Dark Souls and Elden Ring—shared new revelations about the studio’s upcoming title, The Duskbloods, and its development for Nintendo Switch 2.

This exclusive discussion sheds light on the creative evolution, game structure, and narrative ambitions underpinning the highly-anticipated multiplayer project. The Duskbloods marks FromSoftware’s first foray into a PvPvE-focused (Player vs.

Player vs.

Environment) online multiplayer experience tailored for the next generation of Nintendo hardware.

Miyazaki, who has led landmark titles across PlayStation, Xbox, and more recently Nintendo Switch with Dark Souls: Remastered, introduces a new universe that builds on the studio’s legacy of challenging, atmospheric games. Origins and Platform Evolution Explaining the genesis of The Duskbloods, Miyazaki recounted how early discussions with Nintendo sparked the idea.

"Our initial proposal to Nintendo was rudimentary—more a collection of intriguing concepts than a fully formed pitch," he recalled.

"The concept was unlike anything we had attempted previously, and Nintendo expressed strong enthusiasm for bringing it to life.

That encouragement catalyzed production." Originally conceived for the Nintendo Switch, the game pivoted towards a Switch 2 release after Nintendo initiated conversations about leveraging the forthcoming hardware’s expanded capabilities.

According to Miyazaki, "The extra emphasis on online features within the new hardware allowed us to fully realize our vision for The Duskbloods, especially given its multiplayer foundation." Embracing PvPvE Multiplayer The Duskbloods distinguishes itself from FromSoftware's earlier catalog by embracing a PvPvE structure at its core.

Miyazaki describes the project as an online multiplayer game where players face both each other and hostile AI-controlled enemies.

When asked about this design direction, Miyazaki stated, "I have long been fascinated by PvPvE mechanics.

They present broad creative opportunities, drawing on our experience with intense enemy encounters while introducing new layers of player competition." He also clarified that while The Duskbloods represents a new focus, FromSoftware remains committed to single-player experiences, referencing the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring, slated for release in 2025.

"Our commitment to single-player worlds continues, and we will actively develop titles in this vein alongside our foray into multiplayer." Story, Setting, and Thematic Depth Players assume the role of the 'Bloodsworn,' individuals granted superhuman abilities through arcane blood.

"Bloodsworn are inspired by age-old vampire legends, but we aimed to capture their romantic qualities rather than traditional monstrous depictions," Miyazaki explained.

The narrative revolves around the pursuit of "First Blood" amidst the enigmatic 'Twilight of Humanity,' setting the stage for battles across various eras and locations, including evocative Victorian and early modern backdrops—one of which features a striking train sequence as seen in recent trailers. The title "The Duskbloods" itself refers to the player characters, symbolizing both their origin as harbingers of a fading epoch and the central thematic motif: blood as a marker of history, power, and the limits of humanity. Online Play and Nintendo Switch 2 Integration Taking full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s online capabilities, The Duskbloods is designed for an immersive multiplayer experience.

A Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account are required for online features, consistent with Nintendo’s current software ecosystem policies. As anticipation builds for The Duskbloods’ debut on Nintendo Switch 2, FromSoftware and Hidetaka Miyazaki promise a bold evolution of their game-design philosophy—melding challenging combat, narrative depth, and innovative multiplayer systems for longtime fans and new players alike.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch FromSoftware Hidetaka Miyazaki The Duskbloods Nintendo Switch 2 Switch