Time Magazine’s annual list of the world’s top 100 most influential people has included a video game developer for the second time. From Software’s Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director of popular games such as Elden Ring, Bloodborne, and Dark Souls, has landed on the list in the “Innovator” section. The list features a variety of influential people, including actors, politicians, and influencers like Mr Beast and Doja Cat.

Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann, who profiled Miyazaki for Time, praised his uncompromising approach to game design, stating that Miyazaki’s games make the player feel accomplished and smart. Miyazaki’s approach involves not overexplaining the game mechanics or the lore, trusting the players to figure it out on their own. Druckmann noted that Miyazaki’s games initially made him feel “miserable” because of the constant character deaths, but he ultimately ended up having a breakthrough.

Elden Ring was one of the best-selling games of 2022, and From Software is currently hiring for multiple new games. It remains to be seen what Miyazaki and his team will work on next, but fans can expect more innovative game design and challenging gameplay from the renowned director. Miyazaki’s inclusion on the Time 100 list highlights the growing influence of the video game industry and the impact that game developers have on popular culture.

Miyazaki’s inclusion on Time’s list is a significant moment for the video game industry, highlighting the growing recognition of the impact that games have on popular culture. Video games have become an increasingly mainstream form of entertainment over the past decade, with more people than ever before playing games across a wide range of platforms.

Miyazaki’s focus on uncompromising game design and his approach to storytelling has been hugely influential in the industry, and his games have earned a reputation for being challenging, rewarding, and deeply engaging experiences. With the release of Elden Ring, his latest project, Miyazaki has once again demonstrated his ability to create immersive worlds filled with rich lore and challenging gameplay.

But Miyazaki’s influence extends beyond the world of video games. His games have inspired countless artists and creators in other media, and his work has helped to reshape the way that people think about storytelling in games. As video games continue to evolve and become an increasingly important part of popular culture, Miyazaki’s influence is sure to continue to be felt for years to come.

Miyazaki’s inclusion on Time’s list also highlights the increasing recognition of video games as a form of art. Games have long been dismissed by some as mindless entertainment, but as the industry has matured, so too has the quality and complexity of the games being produced. Today, many games are celebrated for their storytelling, visuals, and sound design, and the industry as a whole is starting to be taken more seriously by critics and academics.

Hidetaka Miyazaki’s inclusion on Time’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world is a significant moment for the video game industry, highlighting the growing recognition of the impact that games have on popular culture. Miyazaki’s focus on uncompromising game design and his approach to storytelling has been hugely influential in the industry, and his games have earned a reputation for being challenging, rewarding, and deeply engaging experiences. As video games continue to evolve and become an increasingly important part of popular culture, Miyazaki’s influence is sure to continue to be felt for years to come.