Elden Ring’s director Hidetaka Miyazaki offered insight into a recent source of inspiration, citing a specific multiplayer game that captured his interest. An online element has been featured in the vast majority of FromSoftware’s catalog andElden Ringis no exception, but its functionality deviates quite significantly from the traditional experiences that make up the contemporary multiplayer landscape.
Although most Tarnished likely journeyed through the Lands Between all on their lonesome, some brought a friend along for the adventureviaElden Ring’s cooperative system. Unfortunately not seamless, the online aspect ofElden Ringstill allows players to join together and face down whatever threats await them. Invasions are a staple of FromSoftware’s game design that also returned withElden Ring, a system that makes the multiplayer found in titles such asBloodborneandDark Soulsincredibly unique experiences. SoloElden Ringplayers will only be invaded by NPCs or after using a certain item, but invasions are primarily used as a means of balancing cooperative play, given that the presence of two Tarnished makes bosses significantly easier.
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Both veterans and new fans have wondered what inspired Miyazaki and some answers can be gleaned from a brief interview he gave to IGN following the26th annual DICE Awards. Asked what he finds compelling about the current state of multiplayer titles, Miyazaki replied, “I’m not really sure whether this is the latest trend, but the multiplayer elements that in terms of both technology and the game designs, we keep updating.”
The veteran game developer citedEscape From Tarkovas an example of what had intrigued him as of late, and stated that as others in the industry “keep updating multiplayer network functionality and the game design,” he is paying attention to how players “are used as one of the resources for the gameplay.“Escape From Tarkovis a tactical first-person shooterthat has been in early access for over half a decade and unfortunately finds itself embroiled in a cheating scandal. A YouTuber sought to evaluate the issue for themselves and concluded that at least 60% of matches included cheaters, with offenders typically making use of software that allowed them to see through walls.
Elden Ringhas never had as hard of a time with cheaters, but AFK (Away-From-Keyboard) farmers did plague invasions for a few months last year.AFK farming is an inefficient and inconsistent method of gaining Runes,Elden Ring’s currency, done mostly to grief those wanting to invade and have an enjoyable PvP experience. PvP veterans even took to utilizing previously unused weapons such as the Jar Cannon to be able to reach AFK farmers hiding away in locations otherwise unreachable.
Elden Ringis available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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