FromSoftware Looks to Return to Single-Player Games After Recent Multiplayer Releases

Hidetaka Miyazaki suggests the studio is keen to return to single-player games after The Duskbloods and Elden Ring: Nightreign

FromSoftware, the renowned studio behind the Souls series and Elden Ring, may be shifting its focus back to single-player games after recent multiplayer releases. According to Hidetaka Miyazaki, the president of FromSoftware, the studio's recent foray into multiplayer games was not a deliberate decision, but rather a coincidence.

Miyazaki explained that the ideas for Elden Ring: Nightreign and The Duskbloods, both multiplayer games, happened to coincide with each other. He emphasized that this does not necessarily mean that the studio is abandoning single-player content. In fact, Miyazaki stated that working on multiplayer games for an extended period can actually increase the desire to create single-player experiences.

Recent Releases

FromSoftware's last major single-player game was Elden Ring, released in 2022, which included traditional multiplayer features such as co-op and invasions. In contrast, Elden Ring: Nightreign and The Duskbloods offer more competitive multiplayer experiences. The Duskbloods, in particular, is an anomaly for the studio, with Miyazaki describing it as an outlet for ideas that did not fit into a single-player game.

The Duskbloods is a Switch 2 exclusive, developed in partnership with Nintendo. Miyazaki praised Nintendo's input, particularly in the game's onboarding process, which helps ease players into the game. This is an area where FromSoftware has historically struggled, often dropping players into the game without sufficient guidance.

Upcoming Network Test The

Duskbloods will have a network test this weekend, running in five phases from August 21st to August 24th. Although the full game does not have a release date yet, FromSoftware has committed to releasing it this year. The exact release date remains uncertain, with a previously rumored date of September 24th appearing briefly before being removed.

Partnership with Nintendo

The partnership between FromSoftware and Nintendo has been instrumental in shaping The Duskbloods. Miyazaki credited Nintendo with being receptive to the idea and forward-thinking in its approach. The collaboration has resulted in a game that is more accessible to players, with a focus on conveying information in a clear and understandable way.

The future of FromSoftware's game development remains uncertain, but Miyazaki's comments suggest that the studio is eager to return to its single-player roots. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how FromSoftware balances its multiplayer and single-player endeavors.

Source: Eurogamer