EDGE - If someone plays the game alone, without ever connecting online, how much of the whole game do you think they are missing out on? In other words, how important is online play in terms of how you've designed the game?



Miyazaki - That is a tough question. Playing offline is your choice, and some players simply cannot play online for various reasons. So I wouldn't say theya re missing out, to be honest. It is true that we desgined the game to have a variety of unique online gaming experiences, but it is not like players are going to miss something critical if they don't play online. That said I'd like users to play the game online if they can.



EDGE - This is a much more attack-minded game. Did the shield-up, defensive approach many players took in the Souls games frustrate you?



Miyazaki - No, not at all. I love the defensive approach, that is why Demon's Souls was designed like that. Just because we took a different approach to this time, it doesn't mean that we disapprove of the player keeping his shield up. I don't get frustrated by any approach, except when someone is clearly trying to annoy others.