So, here we are in 2026, and the gaming world is still buzzing about what's next for Hidetaka Miyazaki. With Elden Ring and its epic Shadow of the Erdtree DLC firmly in the rearview mirror, it's like the whole community is collectively holding its breath. We know Elden Ring Nightreign is on the horizon, but with Miyazaki not being hands-on, the big question looms: what would his next passion project be? Honestly, speculating about this is half the fun, and the fan community over on Reddit has been cooking up some absolutely wild, yet somehow perfect, dream scenarios. Let me walk you through the ones that got me nodding my head and saying, "Yes, please!"

The Obvious (But Still Awesome) Choice: Berserk

Let's be real, this one is a no-brainer. Miyazaki's love for Kentaro Miura's dark fantasy manga Berserk isn't a secret; it's practically the foundation of the SoulsBorne DNA. From the massive, oppressive greatswords to the themes of relentless struggle in a cruel world, the inspiration is everywhere. A fan straight-up said, "He's basically been making Berserk games this whole time." But that's also the potential pitfall, right? Would it feel too much like a re-skin of Dark Souls or Elden Ring? The consensus, though, is that if anyone could translate Guts's harrowing journey and the visceral, terrifying world of the God Hand into an interactive masterpiece, it's Miyazaki. He wouldn't just adapt it; he'd make you feel the weight of the Dragonslayer and the despair of the Eclipse. Talk about a dream come true for fans of both.

Gothic Horror Reimagined: Castlevania

Now this suggestion? Chef's kiss. One commenter nailed it by pointing out Miyazaki's incredible track record with legacy dungeons and intricate, vertical level design. They said, and I'm paraphrasing here, "Bro, after designing Raya Lucaria Academy, navigating the treacherous paths of Volcano Manor, and unraveling the mysteries of the Shadow Keep, imagine what he could do with Dracula's Castle!"

It's a match made in gothic heaven. Picture it:

• A sprawling, interconnected castle that shifts and changes like the nightmare it is.

• Tragic, lore-rich bosses that are more than just monsters (Think Alucard, but with that classic FromSoftware tragic twist).

• Weapon arts that perfectly capture the fluid, whip-based combat of the Belmonts.

The potential for a Metroidvania-style Souls game is utterly tantalizing. It would be a perfect blend of classic action-adventure with that signature Miyazaki punishing-yet-fair gameplay. Sign me up!

A Darker Hyrule: The Legend of Zelda

This one might raise some eyebrows, but hear me out. Fans aren't talking about the bright, colorful world of Breath of the Wild. They're specifically calling for a Miyazaki take on the darker entries, like Twilight Princess or even Majora's Mask. The foundation is already there: exploration, cryptic lore, challenging combat, and memorable boss fights.

Imagine Hyrule, but through the lens of Shadow of the Erdtree's melancholic beauty and underlying horror. Link wouldn't just fight Ganon; he'd uncover the tragic history of the Gerudo king, piece together the fall of the ancient Sheikah, and face bosses that are less "evil pig monster" and more "cosmic terror born from a broken kingdom." The stamina-based combat could evolve beautifully, and the lore... oh man, the lore would be insane. It's a long shot, but the thought alone gives me chills.

The Ultimate Epic: The Lord of the Rings / The Silmarillion

If you want a world already built for epic, tragic, and morally complex storytelling, look no further than Tolkien's legendarium. This was a hugely popular suggestion. Fans weren't just asking for a game set during the War of the Ring; they were dreaming bigger. Many pointed to The Silmarillion as the perfect playground. We're talking:

Era	Why It's Perfect for Miyazaki
First Age (The Silmarillion)	Morally grey Elves committing kinslaying, epic battles with Balrogs and Dragons, tragic heroes like Fëanor and Túrin. It's dark fantasy at its mythological core.
Second Age	The forging of the Rings of Power, the rise and fall of Númenor, the creation of the Nazgûl. Peak "hubris leading to downfall" themes.
War of the Ring	A more focused, personal journey through a world already doomed, perfect for that classic Souls-like feel of a fading age.

One fan joked about the weapon variety: "I'm offering up my sword, bow, axe... and my Moonlight Greatsword and Meteorite Staff just in case." The idea of exploring the ruins of ancient Beleriand, fighting a Balrog on the slopes of Thangorodrim, or witnessing the Fall of Gondolin with FromSoftware's visual and gameplay prowess? That's the stuff of legend. It would be the ultimate "git gud" experience in Middle-earth.

The Wildcard: Neon Genesis Evangelion

This suggestion came out of left field, but the more I think about it, the more it kind of... works? Think about it: psychological horror, incomprehensible cosmic beings (Angels), pilots (players) struggling with immense trauma and pressure inside claustrophobic cockpits (like a mech version of a Souls boss fight), and a story that's deeply concerned with the human condition. Miyazaki's knack for environmental storytelling and creating a sense of overwhelming dread could translate the existential horror of EVA into a game unlike anything we've seen. It would be less about pure action and more about surviving psychological and physical annihilation. Now that would be a mind-bend.

Final Thoughts: The Power of a Dream

Look, I know the chances of Miyazaki suddenly getting the keys to the Zelda or Lord of the Rings kingdom are slim to none. These are just pipe dreams, but man, are they fun to think about. What this whole discussion really highlights is the unique creative signature Miyazaki has carved into this industry. We don't just want a dark fantasy game; we want his specific take on these beloved worlds—the labyrinthine level design, the environmental storytelling that makes you piece together the tragedy, and the combat that makes victory feel earned.

So, while we wait for official news on his next original IP (which, let's be honest, will probably blow our minds anyway), dreaming up these "what if" scenarios is a testament to his impact. It's a celebration of a director who makes worlds we love to get lost in, even when they're trying to kill us. Here's to the dream, and to whatever nightmare-fueled masterpiece he cooks up for us next. \U0001f60f