Miyazaki Speaks: FromSoftware's Creative Freedom Is "Not at Risk"
Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director behind Elden Ring and Dark Souls, has made a rare public statement about the shareholder conflict threatening parent company Kadokawa. In an email response to Japanese gaming outlet DenFamiNicoGamer published on June 12, Miyazaki directly addressed fan fears about FromSoftware's creative independence — and delivered a cautious but clear reassurance.
Timeline of the Kadokawa-Oasis Conflict
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Late 2024 | Kadokawa suffers a major cyberattack |
| March 2026 | Oasis Management begins aggressively acquiring Kadokawa shares |
| May 2026 | Oasis surpasses Sony to become Kadokawa's largest shareholder (13.76%) |
| May 2026 | Oasis launches 'A Better KADOKAWA' campaign, demands CEO removal |
| June 3, 2026 | Kadokawa board formally opposes CEO dismissal, supports retention |
| June 12, 2026 | Miyazaki gives his first public statement on the conflict |
| June 24, 2026 | Kadokawa Annual General Meeting — the vote happens |
Miyazaki's Full Statement (Key Excerpts)
In his email to DenFamiNicoGamer, Miyazaki wrote:
""I'm not saying that there's no room for improvement but we can freely make the kind of games we want to make without excessive interference."
— Hidetaka Miyazaki, June 12, 2026
""I think for both myself and for FromSoftware, the most important thing going forward is to maintain this environment and focus as much as possible on game development."
— Hidetaka Miyazaki
To fans directly:
""FromSoftware is working harder than ever to create amazing games. I hope players will look forward to both the announced and unannounced titles to come."
— Hidetaka Miyazaki
He noted he was "unable to address the matter in depth" regarding the Oasis-Kadokawa dispute specifically, but his comments on the development environment were direct.
What the Conflict Is Really About
Oasis Management's Position
Oasis, a Hong Kong-based activist fund, has been pushing for the removal of Kadokawa CEO Takeshi Natsuno over the company's stock underperformance, governance concerns, and financial results. Critically for gamers, Oasis specifically highlighted FromSoftware as Kadokawa's most strategically important asset in its proposal — raising fears that a new CEO installed by Oasis could push for faster release cycles, IP monetization, or other commercial pressure on the studio.
Kadokawa Board's Position
Kadokawa's board has dismissed much of Oasis's criticism as "baseless or rooted in a misunderstanding" and cited CEO Natsuno's leadership through the 2024 cyberattack recovery as justification for retention.
What Fans Fear
The question at the heart of fan anxiety: If Oasis installs a new CEO, could they pressure FromSoftware to make more commercial, less artistically pure games? Miyazaki's statement addresses this fear directly, though it cannot guarantee outcomes depending on corporate decisions.
FromSoftware's Current Slate
Miyazaki mentioned "announced and unannounced titles" in development. Currently confirmed titles from FromSoftware:
| Title | Platform | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition | Nintendo Switch 2 | Launching 2026 |
| The Duskbloods | Nintendo Switch 2 | New action IP, Nintendo collaboration |
| Elden Ring Nightreign | PC & consoles | Multiplayer spinoff, already released |
Elden Ring has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling action RPGs in history.
Positions at a Glance
| Party | Stance |
|---|---|
| Miyazaki / FromSoftware | Creative freedom intact; unannounced titles in development |
| Oasis Management | Demands CEO removal; views FromSoftware as key strategic asset |
| Kadokawa Board | Supports current CEO; opposes Oasis proposal at June 24 AGM |
| Fan community | Cautious relief from Miyazaki's statement; watching June 24 vote |
Community Reaction
The statement was quickly picked up by Inven Global, IGN, and other major outlets, and generated significant discussion across Reddit and Twitter/X.
""At least for now, that fear has not materialized." — Inven Global, June 12, 2026
Fan reactions across communities:
- ▶Relief: "Miyazaki stepped up publicly. That alone means something"
- ▶Wait-and-see: "The AGM on June 24 is what actually matters. Talk is one thing"
- ▶Trust: "There's no reason for Miyazaki to lie. Take him at his word"
- ▶Continued concern: "Oasis labeling FromSoftware a 'strategic asset' doesn't go away"
GamePeak Summary
Miyazaki's public statement is genuinely unusual. He almost never speaks outside of formal game reveals and interviews, making this kind of direct corporate-adjacent comment exceptional. The implication is clear: the fan anxiety about this situation was serious enough for him to address it.
Practically speaking, the outcome of the Kadokawa AGM on June 24 is what determines next steps. Even if Oasis succeeds in replacing the CEO, any new management would likely need time before exerting real influence on FromSoftware's development pipeline. Miyazaki's statement makes clear the current environment is productive.
For now: the games are being made. And there are unannounced ones on the way.
Buy Elden Ring: Steam Store Page