Our journey through the sound design of *FromSoftware* led us to the heart of creativity—the sound room where Shoi Miyazawa, the lead composer, crafts the evocative soundscapes that breathe life into *The Lands Between* and beyond. In this interview, Miyazawa shares his path into game music composition, the inspirations behind his work, and the intricate process of scoring *Elden Ring* and its spin-off, *Nightreign*.
Starting with his passion for music, Miyazawa revealed his deep connection to *Armored Core*, a series he admired deeply. "When Hoshino-san approached me about joining FromSoftware," he shared, "the *Armored Core* music was a major draw. I’m also a fan of *Ganbare Goemon* and *Secret of Mana*, along with the *Castlevania* series, which inspired my work significantly." His taste extends beyond video games, with *King Crimson* and *Marilyn Manson* influencing his diverse musical palette.
Transitioning to the creation of *Elden Ring*'s soundtrack, Miyazawa explained the multifaceted approach used for composing. "Sometimes the director provides concept art, others a written description of a boss or location. The process is flexible depending on the task." For *Nightreign*, he noted the challenge of maintaining continuity with *Elden Ring* while giving it its own distinct identity. "The director wanted it catchy yet different," he added, "so we focused on creating something memorable and unique."
When asked about the specific tones for *Nightreign*, Miyazawa highlighted the importance of capturing the essence of night. "Night was central to the theme," he explained, "so we aimed for feelings of isolation, loneliness, and mystery in the music." This emotional depth was evident in tracks like *Libra: Creature of Night*, where the duality of victory and defeat shaped the composition.
Discussing collaboration within the team, Miyazawa mentioned the individual responsibility of composers for their tracks. However, *Nightreign* saw a unique collaboration where multiple composers worked on a single track. He also shared his favorite compositions, including *Consort Radahn* from *Elden Ring*, and *Takes Me Anywhere* from *Armored Core VI*. Regarding his tools, he emphasized his preference for digital audio workstations, allowing him to perfect every note meticulously.
When asked about standout moments, Miyazawa expressed excitement about the boss fights in *Nightreign*. "We pushed the boundaries of our music," he said, "ensuring each encounter felt unique and immersive." As for his favorite game, he reminisced about *Myst*, praising its atmospheric storytelling and puzzle-solving mechanics.
