FromSoftware’s Next Move: Why Xbox Could Be the Final Frontier After The Duskbloods

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The Duskbloods was one of the most unexpected and significant announcements during the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, which was full of big surprises. FromSoftware and Nintendo may not be the most likely pairing, especially given that many people have been referring to this game as “Bloodborne 2.” However, more games from FromSoftware are generally positive for the gaming industry, and many fans are anxiously waiting for this upcoming Gothic-themed nightmare.

It’s beneficial for FromSoftware to work with various publishers instead of relying solely on Bandai Namco Entertainment. If the studio were exclusive to Bandai Namco, it might lose some business power. By collaborating with different publishers, FromSoftware can maintain its popularity, preserve creative freedom, and enhance its negotiating strength. This strategy was employed in 2015 when FromSoftware partnered with Sony for ‘Bloodborne’, and again with Activision for ‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’. The ongoing approach to publishing, as seen in ‘The Duskbloods’, could lead to an intriguing future for the studio.

FromSoftware Is One Decision Away from Completing a Rare Trifecta

After The Duskbloods, Xbox Will Be the Only Platform Without a FromSoftware Exclusive

Sony had an early advantage in the competition for FromSoftware exclusives, collaborating with them on the original Demon’s Souls as far back as 2009, paving the way for Bloodborne during the following console generation. It’s clear that Sony and FromSoftware share a close professional bond, but it seems Nintendo is attempting to join the fray, securing an exclusive game from FromSoftware for its latest system. The question now is: when will Microsoft’s Xbox platform be graced with its own FromSoftware title?

It’s evident that FromSoftware isn’t against console exclusivity deals, despite the difficulties they can present. Given Microsoft’s extensive resources, it’s plausible that they could attract Elden Ring’s developer with an attractive offer, similar to Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding being published by Xbox. While Kojima is undeniably a significant figure in the industry, FromSoftware has grown significantly larger and more mainstream, making it understandable if Xbox were interested in securing a portion of its success.

Indeed, everything depends on Microsoft’s approach to cross-platform game releases for Xbox. At the moment, their strategy is somewhat confusing to some, leading many to speculate that Xbox may phase out exclusive games designed only for its hardware. However, it remains unclear how drastic these changes might be.

Xbox Has Already Laid the Groundwork for an Exclusive FromSoftware Game

Considering the unveiling of The Duskbloods, it’s intriguing to reflect on how near Microsoft was to securing an exclusive title from FromSoftware, as the 2019 Game of the Year, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, was published by Activision – a company that would later become part of Microsoft. Interestingly, FromSoftware has yet to announce plans for a sequel to Sekiro. However, given Activision’s new affiliation with Microsoft and the positive relationship between the two companies following their collaboration on Sekiro, there’s a possibility that another FromSoftware game, published by Activision and exclusive to Xbox, might emerge in the future.

Unlike many other AAA game studios, FromSoftware’s actions are unpredictable. The studio behind the popular series, Dark Souls, is quite inconsistent in its selection of projects, release strategy, and so forth. However, its exceptional track record makes it intriguing to observe. In other words, when guessing about FromSoftware’s future, one should not limit possibilities. If they are open to releasing an exclusive for the hypothetical Nintendo Switch 2, then a potential Xbox exclusive doesn’t seem too far-fetched.

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2025-04-03 21:46