Ep.232 – The Birth of Demon's Souls: Origins of the Soulslike Genre
A Trip Down Memory Card Lane · David Kassin and Robert Kassin
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Show Notes
In 2009, Demon’s Souls defied convention, reviving challenge and mystery in an era of hand-holding games. In this episode, we explore how Hidetaka Miyazaki transformed a failing project at FromSoftware into the foundation of the Soulslike genre. We trace Miyazaki’s unlikely path from office worker to visionary director, the game’s troubled development, and Sony’s initial lack of faith that almost doomed it to obscurity. Our discussion dives into its punishing combat, haunting design, and innovative multiplayer that connected players through struggle and cooperation. We also look at how Demon’s Souls influenced Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. Join us as we step through the fog and uncover the story behind Demon’s Souls on today’s trip down Memory Card Lane.