FromSoftware Downsizing Its Next Game Could Have Dire Consequences

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Key Takeaways

  • FromSoftware’s success with Elden Ring has vastly expanded its fanbase, making scaling back on the next game risky.
  • Elden Ring’s open-world formula and accessibility helped appeal to a wider audience, contributing to its massive success.
  • Returning to smaller-scale roots might please long-standing fans but could alienate the newfound fanbase established by Elden Ring.

As a long-time FromSoftware devotee who’s traversed the unforgiving landscapes of Lordran, Yharnam, and now the Elden Ring, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation about their next move. The success of Elden Ring has undeniably expanded their fanbase, a feat that’s both thrilling for the developer and potentially risky if they decide to scale back on their next project.

After finishing Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, it remains uncertain where FromSoftware is headed next, but one thing is certain: they’ll continue pushing boundaries following the acclaim of their latest titles. The question lies in whether their post-Elden Ring journey will expand, contract, or remain the same, and how on earth they might surpass such an unforgettable adventure.

As a dedicated gamer who’s been captivated by FromSoftware’s masterpieces, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for their smaller-scale games like Dark Souls. While it’s heartening to see that the developer values our feedback, going back to those early days might not be the wisest choice after the massive success of Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Expanding on the momentum they’ve gained could prove more beneficial for both the studio and its ever-growing fanbase.

FromSoftware Scaling Back on Its Next Game Could Have Dire Consequences

Elden Ring Vastly Expanded FromSoftware’s Fanbase

“FromSoftware likely won’t simplify things in their upcoming game because of Elden Ring’s and Shadow of the Erdtree DLC’s extraordinary success. While Elden Ring’s broader appeal may have significantly grown FromSoftware’s fanbase, its skillfully designed open-world setting might be an even more significant factor. Over the past decade, the popularity of open-world games has risen significantly, despite some negative connotations attached to the genre. Consequently, by creating Elden Ring as an open-world game, FromSoftware successfully reached a larger audience than ever before with their previous titles.

Prior to Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s previous titles such as the Dark Souls series and Bloodborne were relatively smaller in scope and emphasized immersive vertical exploration over introducing players to vast horizontal landscapes. While the exploration found in games like Dark Souls was gratifying, it doesn’t compare to the expansiveness of Elden Ring’s open world. The sheer amount of territory to traverse in Elden Ring’s open world, along with its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, is substantial, yet it seldom feels overpowering because of its measured approach to open-world design.

Instead of providing players with a predefined set of goals and items, Elden Ring predominantly fuels players’ exploration through their natural curiosity. The game employs various in-game features such as an extensive map and visual hints to stimulate this curiosity.

The combination of these elements significantly expanded FromSoftware’s fanbase, reaching a broader spectrum of gamers instead of just the hardcore audience they were previously catering to. In fact, Elden Ring has sparked some controversy, with criticism from longtime FromSoftware fans over its enhanced accessibility and open-world design. Despite this, it’s challenging for FromSoftware to ignore the data, which indicates that Elden Ring had sold more than 25 million copies by June 2024, placing it among the top-selling games ever made.

FromSoftware Scaling Back Might Alienate Its Newest Fans

In their next project, FromSoftware might consider downscaling certain aspects, but this could potentially drive away newer fans, even though it would likely continue to captivate those loyal followers who have stuck with them throughout their Dark Souls series and earlier titles before Elden Ring. It’s challenging to surpass the awe-inspiring moments of exploration found in Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC with designs more reminiscent of Dark Souls, as the expansive open world of Elden Ring enables landscapes that FromSoftware’s past creations could never achieve.

It’s yet unclear if the open-world approach of Elden Ring will continue in their next game, but FromSoftware must be cautious with their future steps. Going back to smaller-scale games might win accolades from longtime fans, but such a move could also alienate a significant portion of the fanbase that has been drawn by Elden Ring.

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2024-11-12 00:33