Step into the dark and dazzling world of FromSoftware, the legendary Japanese game developer whose influence reshaped modern gaming. In this talk, Asha Bardon guides us through over four decades of innovation, challenge, and unforgettable worlds. From the early titles of Kuon and King’s Field, to the genre-defining Dark Souls and the global success of Elden Ring and Nightreign, discover the hidden stories behind the studio’s rise to cult status.

We will also explore the vital role of visionary game developer Hidetaka Miyazaki – his design philosophy, the enigmatic storytelling, and his collaborations with creators like George R. R. Martin. From eldritch horrors to the cryptic lore of The Duskbloods, this talk offers a deep dive into the studio that continues to push gamers to their limits.

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Speaker bio:

Asha Bardon is a journalist and editor who cut their teeth on gaming and anime/manga publications during the mid-2000s, including all the Official gaming publications in both the UK and US, NEO magazine, and others. Asha was introduced to anime early, thanks to 3x3 Eyes and Castle in the Sky. This bloomed into a passion for all kinds of Japanese media when they got to university, which included getting a PS1 to play Silent Hill, the game which started it all and introduced Asha to the idea that gaming lorist was a viable occupation.

In their time as a journalist, Asha has interviewed manga artists and game developers from the beloved to the infamous. They graduated in 2024 with a Masters of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Japanese studies and have spent the last eight years working as a manga adaptor for an American publisher.

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The Evolution of FromSoftware Workshop