“Nearly every word is discussed”: Hidetaka Miyazaki’s Attention to Detail is So Intense It Made Pros Sweat Profusely, Says Elden Ring Voice Actor

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In the gaming world, there aren’t many directors as esteemed and admired as Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind Elden Ring and the Dark Souls series. Allegra Marland, the voice actress for Millicent, shared in an interview from May 2022 how Miyazaki’s precise working style influenced her portrayal.

She detailed how each word, subtlety, and specific sounds she used during her audition were carefully referenced during recording sessions, demonstrating Miyazaki’s meticulous attention to detail. This anecdote underscores his dedication to precision, a trait that is evident throughout Elden Ring, including its additional content, and it was this unwavering focus on the smallest details that left her, and us, in awe.

Hidetaka Miyazaki’s attention to detail surprised a lot of people

During interviews with Dan Allen Gaming, it was disclosed that Miyazaki often drew upon specific aspects of an actress’s audition while recording lines. Specifically, she mentioned that he paid close attention to subtle changes in her voice and sometimes remembered unique sounds she made when pronouncing certain letters.

Achieving such accuracy proved to be a tough task for our team, as it required late-night Zoom meetings at 3 AM, specifically with Miyazaki’s team in Tokyo. Interestingly, Miyazaki isn’t alone in the Elden Ring cast who has gone through a similar experience with her.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel ecstatic about the whole ordeal. Working with a perfectionist like Miyazaki was more than just a dream; it was a reality that I embraced wholeheartedly. His attention to detail resonated deeply with me, and I shared his passion for meticulous work. Even when the sound engineers expressed their apologies for the laborious process, I couldn’t help but feel elated to be a part of this extraordinary journey. It’s not every day that you get to work so closely with a game director who is as hands-on with voice work as Miyazaki is, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from the master himself.

The level of detail in this game transcends voice acting and can be noticed throughout the world of Elden Ring itself. Marland’s character, Millicent, for instance, is a sorrowful figure afflicted by Scarlet Rot – a malady that defines her journey from the start. Her tale encapsulates pain and fleeting hope, serving as an exemplary demonstration of Miyazaki and FromSoft’s narrative prowess.

Millicent is truly an exceptional character. It’s really frustrating that Studio Ghibli’s Miyazaki didn’t give us a satisfying conclusion to her journey.

Or, more casually:

Man, I loved Millicent’s character! It’s too bad Miyazaki didn’t give us a better ending to her story.

— Pyroki 🏵️ (@pyrokinesis96) November 13, 2024

Miyazaki’s devotion to detail transcends voice acting. Since becoming the president of FromSoftware in 2014, he has consistently immersed himself in game creation. His games are challenging yet satisfying, compelling us to accept failure as a means to achieve success.

We see Miyazaki’s vision in all of FromSoftware’s work

The commitment to his work serves as a guiding principle throughout Miyazaki’s career. He has often expressed that he perceives the world as tough and unyielding, which is evident in all his creations. Unlike many stories, his do not promise simple triumphs, and frequently, characters such as Millicent struggle against destiny, ultimately meeting unfortunate fates.

In the gaming world, Elden Ring, having sold more than 25 million copies, is now undeniably a major box-office success. And even in the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion pack for Elden Ring, you can clearly see Miyazaki’s impact. Last year’s release of this expansion pack challenges players with fresh, hideous adversaries and punishing boss battles. However, even in the midst of this gloom, there are still instances of breathtaking beauty to be found.

Despite decades of accomplishments, Miyazaki remains fully immersed in the creative journey. For performers like Marland, collaborating with Miyazaki is both a demanding task and a cherished honor. The stress is undeniably intense, yet it’s also a rare chance to contribute to a masterwork where every detail is meticulously crafted.

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2025-03-21 10:15