Summary
Over the past decade,FromSoftwarehas evolved into one of the most highly-rated developers in the industry. The team behind theDark Soulstrilogy,BloodborneandSekiro: Shadows Die Twicehas consistently found ways to iterate on its own formula, pushing the envelope further with each new title. This culminated with 2022’s massive open-world RPGElden Ring, a title that managed to shatter all expectations, elevatingFromSoftwareto a whole new level in the process. While each title has its own merits, almost all of them share certain traits, and it feels like one trait in particular has reached a crossroads: PvP.
FromSoftware’s modus operandi is to create particularly challenging games that push the player to their limits. While (almost) always remaining fair, they nevertheless force players to find creative ways to overcome some of the most well-designed levels and boss encounters in video game history. Outside the often lengthy single-player campaigns, the bulk of FromSoftware’s games also offer deep, if somewhat complex, PvP options, for those who would rather pit their wits against fellow players than the game’s enemies. In order to activate PvP, players usually have to follow a convoluted set of instructions, including using specific items at the right time. This caters to a very specific set ofFromSoftware’s loyal fan base, but it might be time to revamp this thought process entirely.
FromSoftware’s Dedication to PvP Has Been Consistent
Ever sinceDemon’s Soulswas released for the PS3 in 2009, FromSoftware has attempted to incorporate PvP into its projects. Players are able to invade each others' worlds in order to either fight each other, or in some cases join forces and fight bosses together, which would usually result in the boss having extra health and being generally tougher in order to compensate. Scattered throughout many of theSoulsgames are also bosses which directly incorporate PvP. The Old Monk, Looking Glass Knight, and Halflight, Spear of the Church are all examples of bosses which, if playing online, will try to either summon or become human invaders to fight the player during the battle.
Generally speaking though, these bosses don’t tend to strike the right note among fans. PvP and the single-player campaign are better kept separate, allowing for those who prefer one over the other to experience it without anything getting in the way. As recently asElden Ring, FromSoftware has shown its dedication to PvP, even releasing a huge update solely focused on fleshing out the 2022 Game of the Year’s competitive multiplayer offering. The free DLC opened up three previously inaccessible colosseums for players to participate in various modes including team battles and duels.
It Could Be Time for FromSoftware to Switch Up its PvP
WhateverFromSoftware’s nextSoulsgameis, it is clear that its PvP offering needs a revamp. Changing the way it works, however that may look, could see it reach new heights, and perhaps begin to appeal to the many players who have previously found it too convoluted and complex to bother with. Simplifying the way it works, or offering rewards that are carried across to the single-player campaign, could be a great way of attracting new players.
That being said, a perfectly valid argument could be made for FromSoftware not to waste resources on upgrading its PvP, when such a large portion of its fans are far more interested in the single-player content. Should the Japanese developer instead devote those same resources to further enhancing its formula, making tweaks to keep it fresh and exciting, it’s a safe bet to assume that thenextSoulsproject from Hidetaka Miyazaki’s team will be just as successful asElden Ringhas been.
Elden Ring
WHERE TO PLAY
ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
