Katsuhiro Harada, famous for his connection to the Tekken franchise, recently expressed his views on the significance of appreciating games beyond their revenue statistics. In an unexpected turn, Harada commended Hidetaki Miyazaki, the head of FromSoftware and the genius behind the celebrated Dark Souls franchise. Harada underscored Miyazaki’s atypical journey to accomplishment, pointing out that he entered the gaming realm later in life and first engaged in endeavors that lacked widespread praise or financial success.
Harada, presently the CEO of SNK VS Studio, highlighted that these preliminary, less prosperous projects were vital milestones that ultimately led to the formation of the Souls series. He criticized individuals who disregard these foundational works, asserting that they overlook the developmental journey and evolution of game creators. Although Harada did not name the audience of his critique, he clarified that his remarks were not aimed at the fanbase. Instead, his comments appeared to contest the attitude of industry leaders who prioritize immediate profits over sustained creative growth.
Harada’s viewpoint serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the necessity of fostering creative talent, regardless of initial financial results. His statements resonate with those who maintain that the genuine value of a game lies in its artistic and experiential offerings, rather than its commercial performance.