The final destination of our IGN First visit to FromSoftware was the sound studio where Lead Composer Shoi Miyazawa creates the evocative scores that breathe life into The Lands Between and Limveld with themes of hope, sorrow, and conflict. Here's our conversation exploring the creative process behind FromSoft soundtracks, the director's specific vision for Nightreign's music, and Miyazawa's personal artistic influences.
IGN: First, I'd love to hear how you entered the world of composing music for video games. Were you always passionate about game music?
Shoi Miyazawa - Lead Sound Designer on Elden Ring Nightreign:
I grew up fascinated by the Armored Core series. When Hoshino-san recruited me for FromSoftware, I jumped at the opportunity since I admired its music so much. Childhood favorites like Ganbare Goemon and Secret of Mana also shaped my musical taste. The Castlevania franchise particularly influenced my approach to composition.
Who are your biggest musical inspirations, both within and beyond game soundtracks?
Artists like King Crimson and Marilyn Manson fascinate me - their ability to create contrasting musical atmospheres significantly impacts my work.
Moving to Elden Ring and Nightreign, what's your soundtrack creation process? Do you receive concept art or specific emotional directions?
Our approach varies - sometimes we get concept art, other times written descriptions of locales or boss backstories. Occasionally, the director provides just a mood or atmosphere reference.
How did composing for Nightreign differ from working on the base Elden Ring soundtrack?
While carrying forward Elden Ring's musical DNA, we wanted Nightreign to establish its own identity. Extensive discussions with the director helped balance familiarity with fresh musical ideas that would stand apart from Souls titles while remaining memorable.
What specific thematic directions did the director emphasize for Nightreign's music?
With night as the central theme, we focused on evoking feelings of isolation and uneasy anticipation - those singular emotions that accompany darkness and solitude.
Among your FromSoftware projects, which stands out as most memorable or challenging?
"Consort Radahn" from Elden Ring holds special meaning - composing it in dim lighting created sensations of unseen presences that influenced the track. "Takes Me Anywhere" from Armored Core VI's bonus disc also resonates deeply, representing ideas I'd nurtured since joining FromSoft.
I actually like to compose in a sort of dark, dimly lit room.“
How collaborative is soundtrack composition at FromSoftware?
Typically each track has one primary composer, though we exchange ideas. Nightreign broke this pattern with several composers sometimes collaborating on single pieces.
Could you share insights about composing Libra: Creature of Night's theme?
Libra's character brief included unique musical directions - we aimed to capture exotic madness and demonic qualities while emphasizing the battle's dualistic nature through stark musical contrasts.
How does Nightreign's day/night cycle influence compositions?
The three-day structure inspired increasingly ominous tones - we wanted music to reinforce players' growing vulnerability as nights progressed.
We wanted the player to feel like there's this imposing sense of danger.“
Is there any track you're particularly excited for players to discover?
We pushed musical boundaries further than previous titles - each boss encounter features radically distinctive compositions that I hope will surprise players.
Do you have preferred instruments or techniques?
Digital composition software fascinates me - it allows obsessive refinement down to individual notes and pitches, though I probably get too meticulous.
Finally, what's your all-time favorite game?
Myst holds special significance - its pre-rendered environments and puzzle-solving adventure left an indelible impression on me.
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