FromSoftware Studio: The Developer Behind the Success of Elden Ring

FromSoftware has become a household name in the gaming industry, especially after their phenomenal success with *Elden Ring*. However, their journey to the pinnacle of success was not something that happened overnight. Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind the Japanese game developer that has revolutionized the action RPG genre.

GAME INDUSTRY

Anwar

5/8/20244 min read

A Brief History of FromSoftware

The Company’s Early Days

FromSoftware didn’t start as a game developer but as a business software development company founded in November 1986. Who would have thought that a company initially focused on office productivity software would go on to become one of the most respected game developers in the industry? By the early 1990s, they began to see the immense potential in the rapidly growing gaming industry.

Early Game Development Era

FromSoftware’s first step into the gaming industry came with King's Field, released in 1994 for the PlayStation. Though simple by today’s standards, the game already showcased the DNA that would become FromSoftware's hallmark: dark worlds, high difficulty levels, and unconventional storytelling.

The Road to Success

Early Games by FromSoftware

After King’s Field, FromSoftware continued to develop various titles, including the Armored Core series, which focused on mecha combat. While these games cultivated a loyal fan base, they didn’t achieve the major breakthrough the company needed. FromSoftware kept experimenting with different genres, searching for the right identity.

Turning Point with Demon's Souls

2009 was a transformative year with the release of Demon’s Souls for PlayStation 3. Initially considered too risky, Sony declined to release the game outside Japan. However, its unexpected success in Japan and strong international demand ultimately led to a global release.

The Era of Souls-like Games and Genre Revolution

The Dark Souls Series

Released in 2011, Dark Souls firmly placed FromSoftware on the global map. It introduced a formula that came to be known as "Souls-like": punishing yet fair difficulty, deep combat systems, and mysterious world-building. Dark Souls II and III further solidified their mastery of this genre.

Bloodborne

In 2015, FromSoftware released Bloodborne, a PlayStation 4 exclusive that took the Souls formula in a more aggressive and gothic horror direction. The game received critical acclaim, demonstrating the studio's ability to innovate within their own framework.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Released in 2019, Sekiro showcased FromSoftware’s willingness to step out of its comfort zone. Set in feudal Japan, it emphasized parrying and posture-based combat, earning it the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards 2019.

Elden Ring: The Latest Masterpiece

Collaboration with George R.R. Martin

The collaboration with the author of A Song of Ice and Fire resulted in extraordinary world-building. Martin laid the foundation for the mythology and history of The Lands Between, while FromSoftware’s team developed it into an immersive game world.

Open World Innovation

Elden Ring boldly brought the Souls formula to an open-world setting. The Lands Between offered unparalleled exploration freedom, packed with hidden secrets and dungeons to discover.

Combat System

The game refined combat mechanics from previous titles, introducing a broader range of character builds, more effective magic, and the exciting addition of mounted combat.

Critics and Player Reception

With a Metacritic score of 96 and over 20 million copies sold, Elden Ring became FromSoftware’s most successful game. It earned multiple Game of the Year 2022 awards across numerous platforms.

Hidetaka Miyazaki: The Brain Behind FromSoftware

Game Design Philosophy

Miyazaki is renowned for his belief that difficulty is not just a challenge but a tool for delivering satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment to players. He views failure as an integral part of the gaming experience.

Unique Storytelling Style

Miyazaki’s storytelling is famous for its minimalist approach. Instead of lengthy cutscenes, the narrative is conveyed through item descriptions, cryptic character dialogues, and detailed environmental design.

FromSoftware’s Impact on the Gaming Industry

Inspiration for Other Developers

FromSoftware’s success has inspired numerous developers to create games with similar approaches. Titles like Nioh, Mortal Shell, and Lords of the Fallen showcase the strong influence of the Souls formula.

Creating a New Sub-Genre

"Souls-like" is now a distinct sub-genre, characterized by elements such as bonfire/checkpoint systems, mechanics where players lose experience points upon death, and challenging boss fights.

Conclusion

FromSoftware has proven itself to be a studio unafraid to take risks and consistently innovate. From business software to becoming a leader in the action RPG genre, their journey demonstrates that a clear vision and the courage to be different can lead to extraordinary success. With Elden Ring, they have reached new heights in game design excellence, and the gaming industry eagerly awaits their next creations.

FAQ

Are FromSoftware games suitable for beginners?
FromSoftware games are known for their difficulty, but Elden Ring is considered more beginner-friendly due to its open-world design, offering multiple ways to approach challenges.
How long does it take to complete Elden Ring?
On average, players need 60–80 hours to finish the main story, while completing all content can take over 150 hours.
Do I need to play previous FromSoftware games to enjoy Elden Ring?
No, each FromSoftware game has a standalone story. However, familiarity with their earlier games can help in understanding the core mechanics.
Why are FromSoftware games called "Souls-like"?
The term originates from the Dark Souls series, which established gameplay characteristics like high difficulty, losing experience points upon death, and challenging boss fights.
What are FromSoftware's plans after Elden Ring?
FromSoftware has announced DLC for Elden Ring titled Shadow of the Erdtree and is reportedly working on several new projects, though details remain under wraps.