FromSoftware’s Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive titleThe Duskbloodsis an online multiplayer title, but the game’s director assured fans that the studio isn’t shifting in a multiplayer direction.The Duskbloodsfeatures gothic horror elements reminiscent ofDark SoulsandBloodbornefrom the studio, but its multiplayer focus is drawing particular attention. Some fans fear this is a new era for FromSoftware of eschewing the single-player games that it’s most known for.
A new Creator’s Voice blog byNintendofeaturedThe Duskbloodsdirector, Hidetaka Miyazaki, detailing the origins and gameplay of the title. Discussing the game’s PvPvE structure, Miyazaki went on an aside, preemptively addressing concerns that FromSoftware was now focusing on multiplayer games:
“As previously mentioned, this is an online multiplayer title at its core, but this doesn’t mean that we as a company have decided to shift to a more multiplayer-focused direction with titles going forward. […] …we still intend to develop single player focused games that embrace our more traditional style.”
Miyazaki also reminded fans that aSwitch 2 version ofElden Ringwas also announcedthis week. It looks like Miyazaki and FromSoftware arenot slowing down in making its infamously difficult single-player gamesthat make you want to tear your hair out.
Fans Need Not To Worry With The Duskbloods And Nightreign
New Variants Of The Classic Formula
FromSoftware’s other upcoming release,Elden Ring: Nightreign, also has a multiplayer focus, but both that title andThe Duskbloodsare still very much FromSoftware titles.The Duskbloodssupports up to eight players at once in a PvPvE setting, with the gameplay loop having elements of extraction games and battle royales. Meanwhile,Nightreignhas teams of three players working togetherto survive in cooperative play.
Why The Duskbloods Isn’t Bloodborne 2 (Despite All The Similarities)
The Duskbloods was just announced for Nintendo Switch 2 by FromSoftware, and its similarities to the universe of the Bloodborne series are many.
As similar and different as these two games might be from traditional FromSoftware fare, these game types arenot going to be the norm for the studio. It appears that the studio is experimenting with applying its Soulslike mechanics to other types of game, and it will still be making “traditional” titles. Those who might be worried about some sort of new direction for FromSoftware and Miyazaki can rest easy.
FromSoftware Deserves To Experiment With Its Games
Trying Something New
FromSoftware has developed a unique style when it comes to its games. When you hear that a FromSoftware game is coming, you can generally assume you will be getting Victorian-era horror vibes alongside the strangest-looking creatures you have seen. Plus, you can assume that it will be a classic FromSoftware Soulslike where you lose certain items, feats, or abilities when dying and must reload at certain checkpoints. That being said,The Duskbloodsis actuallya great opportunity for FromSoftware to experiment with new styles and branch out.
Subverting the expectations of fans is a great way to get people talking about the gameand keep it in conversation until release. FromSoftware releasing a game that looks likeBloodbornebut is exclusive for a Nintendo platform is already a huge discussion point too.The Duskbloodsmaynot be what you would expect from FromSoftware, but perhaps it is what we need.
