FromSoftware’s acclaimed action-RPG, Elden Ring, has achieved remarkable success, garnering numerous awards and selling over 25 million copies since its release nearly three years ago. The studio recently unveiled a long-anticipated story expansion titled Shadow of the Erdtree. Despite the game’s enduring popularity, FromSoftware has indicated that a sequel is not on the horizon, as the developer shifts its focus to other projects.
Miyazaki Discusses the Future of Elden Ring
At the PlayStation Partner Awards 2024 Japan Asia event held on December 3, Hidetaka Miyazaki, the president of FromSoftware and director of Elden Ring, provided insights into the franchise’s future. “We don’t have any particular plans for Elden Ring 2,” Miyazaki stated, as reported by IGN Japan. His remarks were translated from Japanese.
However, Miyazaki did suggest that there could be opportunities for the Elden Ring IP to evolve in different formats. “I would like to tell you that we are not ruling out the development of the IP ‘Elden Ring’ in some form in the future,” he remarked.
These comments align with those made by fantasy author George R.R. Martin, who was instrumental in shaping Elden Ring’s universe. In July, Martin hinted at the potential for a film or television adaptation of the game. “Oh, and about those rumors you may have heard about a feature film or television series based on ELDEN RING… I have nothing to say,” he wrote in his blog. “Not a word, nope, not a thing, I know nothing, you never heard a peep from me, mum mum mum. What rumor?”
Shadow of the Erdtree has been nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024
Photo Credit: Bandai Namco/ FromSoftware
FromSoftware’s Current Endeavors
While there are no immediate plans for a sequel to Elden Ring, FromSoftware, known for its titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, is actively working on several projects. “I can’t talk about any unpublished work, but I do have several projects currently underway at FromSoftware,” Miyazaki noted. “There are a variety of genres, so I hope you can look forward to it.”
Reports suggest that some of these projects are being directed by Miyazaki himself, while others are led by different members of the team. Though details about the studio’s next game are scarce, the abundance of intellectual properties opens up a range of possibilities.
Potential candidates for future titles include sequels to series such as Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Armoured Core, or Sekiro. There is also speculation surrounding the long-awaited Bloodborne remake or remaster for PS5, with fans eagerly hoping for updates. However, the Bloodborne IP is owned by Sony, which has remained silent amidst the ongoing demand for a follow-up or enhanced version.
The prospect of a Bloodborne remaster for PS5 and PC is not entirely outlandish. In a recent anniversary video celebrating 30 years of PlayStation, Sony concluded with a clip from Bloodborne accompanied by the caption, “It’s about persistence,” reflecting the fervent hopes of the game’s dedicated fanbase.
Additionally, future collaboration between Sony and FromSoftware may be on the horizon, as reports emerged last month regarding Sony’s interest in acquiring Kadokawa, the parent company of FromSoftware. Kadokawa has confirmed receiving a buyout offer from Sony.
Elden Ring, which won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2022, has now sold over 25 million copies worldwide, confirmed by FromSoftware in June. Its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, received critical acclaim upon release and has recently made history by becoming the first expansion nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024.
