Directing a massively anticipated game likeElden Ringis likely an incredibly busy job that doesn’t offer up much free time to play other games. ForElden RingDirector Hidetaka Miyazaki, this is exactly the case, though they were able to enjoy last year’sIt Takes Two, beating it in only three days.
It Takes Twowas one of 2021’s best reviewed games, winning multiple Game of the Year awards and justifiably so. For many players,It Takes Twowas a breath of fresh air, it being a strict co-op experience that is constantly introducing new mechanics and environments without any of them really overstaying their welcome. Players looking to play online with a friend only needed to purchase one copy of the game, dramatically increasing the amount of people who were able to experience the game. As far as platformers go,It Takes Twois a decent length, taking players typically around 15 hours to complete, especially if going after the side content.
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In a new post on the PlayStation Blog, while discussingElden Ring, Miyazaki discusses his time playingIt Takes Two. Content Communications Manager at Sony, Tim Turi, asks Miyazaki if they are able to play many games these days, to which he responds, “I haven’t had a lot of time to play video games lately, but I attempt to dedicate some time when I can.” Miyazaki goes on to describe recently being able to play throughIt Takes Twowith an online friend, the two of them completing the game in three days across three sittings. Based on the game’s average length, Miyazaki and their partner plowed through the game in roughly 3-5 hour chunks.
Turi stays on Miyazaki regardingIt Takes Two, asking them what made the game memorable. “It didn’t let up throughout, and it never let me get bored,” Miyazaki answers before speaking a bit about how the game balances constantly changing mechanics and environments, while keeping the cooperative gameplay at the very center.
Miyazaki adds that they weren’t initially sold on the game, but playing it with friend was when “it finally clicked.” Lastly,It Takes Two’s family-centered narrativewas effective on Miyazaki, stating, “And with a small child of my own, the narrative resonated with me, which was most interesting in the end.”
Miyazaki’s statement onIt Takes Twoin many ways could serve as a testimony of the game’s intention. As many have pointed out,It Takes Twoshows why co-op still matters(especially couch co-op) as Miyazaki did not see the game’s point until they had a friend by their side and the game was in motion.
More generally, it is beautiful to see game developers speak praises of other video games, that reverence ultimately saying a lot about Miyazaki and his beliefs on the industry. Hopefully afterElden Ring’s release, Miyazaki will be able to take a break and play some more games.
Elden Ringreleases February 25 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
