FromSoftware’s new game, Elden Ring Nightreign, may not have received the universal praise of its predecessor, but it still offers a fresh and bold take that’s worth appreciating.
With a few updates already planned—like the recently announced duos patch—Nightreign has room to grow and could become another iconic title from the studio. What stands out most, however, is the man behind the game: first-time director Junya Ishizaki.
Taking over from legendary developer Hidetaka Miyazaki is no small task. Miyazaki is considered a visionary in the gaming world, known for titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and of course, Elden Ring.
His games have a very specific style and mood, something that fans have come to love and expect. So, when it was revealed that Miyazaki wouldn’t be leading Nightreign, the pressure was on for Ishizaki to deliver.
Ishizaki, however, is not new to FromSoftware. He has been part of the creative team on many of the studio’s major hits.
He worked on Bloodborne, the entire Dark Souls series, and even played a key role as battle director in Elden Ring and its DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree. Still, Nightreign marks his first time as a game director.
And for a debut, it’s impressive.
While Nightreign hasn’t pleased every fan, it offers something different. It doesn’t try to copy Miyazaki’s exact style.
Instead, it reflects Ishizaki’s creative vision. This is refreshing and important because it shows that FromSoftware is willing to take creative risks and trust new voices in leadership roles.
In interviews, Ishizaki made it clear that this was his project. He had full creative control, with Miyazaki stepping back and letting him take charge.
That confidence from the studio speaks volumes. Just like Miyazaki got his first big break with Demon’s Souls, Ishizaki now has the chance to prove himself in the same way.
The fact that Nightreign feels so different from past FromSoftware games is a strength. It means the studio is not afraid to evolve.
Even though some fans may not like every change, that willingness to explore new directions is what keeps the industry fresh.
Looking ahead, the big question is: what’s next for Ishizaki?
In many Western game studios, senior staff often leave after a big project to start something new or join another company.
But in Japan, it’s more common for developers to stay with the same studio long-term. If that pattern continues at FromSoftware, then both Miyazaki and Ishizaki are likely to stay on.
And if so, it would be great to see Ishizaki get more chances to lead future projects.
His ideas in Nightreign—while not perfect—show creativity, courage, and potential. The mixed reviews shouldn’t overshadow what he’s achieved. After all, great developers often grow from their early work.
Nightreign might not be another Elden Ring, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s its own game, with its own identity.
More importantly, it proves that Junya Ishizaki has what it takes to direct and deliver something bold. FromSoftware made the right call by giving him a shot—and hopefully, it’s not the last time we see him in the director’s chair.
As fans, we should celebrate the fact that new voices are getting a chance to shine. That’s how the gaming industry moves forward. And with the right support and feedback, Ishizaki’s next game could be the one that takes everyone by surprise.
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