Elden Ring Announced – A From Software Action-RPG Featuring George R.R. Martin’s Writing

After wrapping up their Dark Souls series and going in a more action-oriented direction with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, FromSoftware is returning to their dark fantasy action-RPG roots. Entitled Elden Ring, their next project was revealed during this year’s E3. According to the announcements, we should get ready for an epic open-world action RPG directed by FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki and featuring plenty of background lore created by George R.R. Martin who you may know for his A Song of Ice and Fire novels.

Check out this announcement trailer:

And this press release with additional details:

LOS ANGELES, Calif., (June 9, 2019) – Leading interactive entertainment media developer and publisher BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announced ELDEN RING™, an expansive fantasy Action-RPG game developed by FromSoftware, Inc. under the direction of Hidetaka Miyazaki for the Xbox One, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and PC.

Unparalleled adventure awaits in ELDEN RING, the next epic fantasy title created by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. ELDEN RING is FromSoftware’s largest game to-date and is set in a sprawling realm steeped in a rich and bloody history crafted by Hidetaka Miyazaki – creator of the influential and critically acclaimed DARK SOULS video game series; and George R.R. Martin – author of The New York Times best-selling fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire.

“Collaborating with George R.R. Martin to create the ELDEN RING mythos has been a genuinely delightful experience and a source of wonderful inspiration. The team is working hard to ensure that the world of ELDEN RING will be a fascinating place for players to explore, filled with peril and wonder from its furthest reaches to its lowest depths. This is a FromSoftware title through and through, rich in fantasy and RPG action. We sincerely hope you look forward to it.” Said Hidetaka Miyazaki, President of FromSoftware, Inc. and Game Director for ELDEN RING.

“Building the world of ELDEN RING with Miyazaki-san and his team was a treat! The graphics, mythos, and action-RPG gameplay will deliver an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait for people to see what ELDEN RING has in store for them.” Said George R.R. Martin.

“ELDEN RING brings together two incredible masters of their respective crafts,” said Chris Gilbert Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “FromSoftware’s talented development team, alongside Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin’s gift of world building and story crafting come together into a truly unique gaming experience.”

ELDEN RING is expected to launch in the Americas for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 system, and PC. For more information regarding ELDEN RING, please visit the official ELDEN RING website at: https://www.ELDENRING.com.

You may also be interested in this Xbox Wire interview with Hidetaka Miyazaki that tells us a bit about the game, its world and lore, as well as its prominent RPG elements. A few sample questions:

Wilkinson: What genre do you think Elden Ring will fall under?

Miyazaki: It is a third-person action RPG.

Unlike Sekiro, which has a heavy focus on action, Elden Ring puts more focus on RPG elements.

Of course, we are not shying away from the fun of responsive melee-based combat, and these elements will be present as well.

Wilkinson: Do you believe this title will turn out to be a very From-like and challenging game?

Miyazaki: Yes, I do. The importance we place on the joy the player experiences through overcoming challenges will be the same as it is in our other titles. I believe it will prove to be a very satisfying experience.

Earlier I had said that this title focuses more heavily on RPG elements. This title will include a wide variety of weapons, magic, and ways to engage enemies, that make it possible to provide users with a style of gameplay and strategy that suits them.

Even when compared to the Dark Souls series, I believe this title will provide even more variety in the ways for players to overcome challenges and tweak their tactics when facing enemies.