FromSoftware's devs don't like using "Souls series" to describe Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne

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Hidetaka Miyazaki comments on the descriptor

Elden Ring Messmer
(Image credit: FromSoftware)

Elden Ring director and FromSoftware studio head Hidetaka Miyazaki has commented on the "Souls series" and "SoulsBorne" monikers for the developer's games.

As chronicled by IGN editor Matt Kim via the tweet just below, Miyazaki reveals that the developers at FromSoftware aren't really a fan of calling their games the "Souls" series. That's just one nickname audiences have prescribed to the studio's games - another is the "SoulsBorne" games, which is arguably the more commonly-used of the two.

Miyazaki knows FromSoftware has a certain reputation permeating throughout all its games, though. "We don't like to call them the Souls series, but I think we're talking about the same thing when we're speaking to those dark fantasy third-person action games with a higher focus on melee combat and sense of accomplishment," Miyazaki said.

This isn't Miyazaki explicitly saying that he and the rest of FromSoftware aren't fans of the "Souls" or "SoulsBorne" sayings. It seems like the quote is generally more aimed at how FromSoftware's internal developers approach their own games, if they're going to ascribe labels to their back catalog, rather than pushing back against their community.

As for the Elden Ring DLC itself, Shadow of the Erdtree will be out in just a few months on June 21. There's a lot of anticipation in FromSoftware's community surrounding the expansion, not just because it's said to be FromSoftware's biggest expansion ever, but also because of the developer's penchant for releasing excellent DLC packs - like Bloodborne's The Older Hunters and Dark Souls' Artorias of the Abyss.

Here's why, as much as I'd love more, Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree DLC should be the action RPG's curtain call.

Hirun Cryer
Hirun Cryer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.