FromSoft's Decisions | Fans Question Absence of Larger Elden Ring Follow-Up
Edited By
David Brown
A surge of chatter has erupted among the gaming community over why FromSoftware hasn’t tapped into the momentum from Elden Ring. As the 2026 gaming landscape evolves, many fans are left wondering about the studio's recent focus on new multiplayer experiences instead.
Community Concerns
Fans express concern that the beloved Elden Ring franchise could be sidelined. Despite the game's massive success, which includes over 10 million copies sold and a well-received DLC just two years post-launch, speculation mounts around why the studio is prioritizing titles like Nightreign and Duskbloods over a sequel.
"The players are dying for more Elden RingFS continues to demure," one commenter remarked, echoing the frustrations of many in the community.
Mixed Signals from FromSoftware
While Nightreign and Duskbloods may capitalize on Elden Ring's established elements, they don't appear to be the true successors fans are yearning for. One user speculated that director Hidetaka Miyazaki wishes to explore new creative routes rather than create another expansive title in the same vein. "Miyazaki has stated his team isn't looking to make a game as large as Elden Ring again anytime soon," they noted.
Others believe a follow-up may not be necessary yet. As one user pointed out, "Elden Ring's story is already concluded, so why do it?"
A New Direction?
FromSoftware seems to value exploring new ideas over entering a sequel cycle too quickly. As a commentator put it, "They’re not sellouts and do whatever they want to do." A new IP might offer the studio a way to innovate while giving fans something fresh.
Many fans are also conscious of the potential backlash if the studio rushes into another vast open-world experience. "Releasing another open-world title could oversaturate what Elden Ring occupies," one user reasoned.
Key Insights
Fan Frustration: Many players feel overlooked, urging FromSoftware to build on Elden Ring.
Miyazaki's Vision: The director’s preference for single-titles rather than prolonged series influences studio direction.
Future Projects: The speculation suggests that FromSoftware might be focusing on smaller projects before returning to their grander narratives.
📉 Stalled Expectations: "They probably also know that following an Open World title with ANOTHER Open World title will become stale quickly."
🔭 Creative Freedom: "Sometimes he trolls us, it is what it is."
With both Nightreign and upcoming projects on the horizon, the wait for a substantial Elden Ring follow-up will likely stretch until the next generation of consoles matures. Will gamers hold on for what's next, or will impatience drive a wedge between them and their beloved studio?
Time will tell.
Forecasting the Future of FromSoftware
There’s a strong chance that FromSoftware will continue down its current path of exploring new titles over releasing an immediate sequel to Elden Ring. Experts estimate around 60% likelihood that the company will stick to smaller, innovative projects in the near future, allowing them to experiment creatively without the pressure of a franchise. This strategic delay could ultimately serve them well, as releasing another massive open-world game too soon might lead to fatigue among fans and dilute what made Elden Ring so special. As these projects take shape, impatience may push some fans away temporarily, but if the new titles resonate with the audience, loyalty could prevail.
A Lesson from Musical Evolution
Consider the evolution of bands in the music scene, particularly those that intentionally shift styles. For instance, when a punk band like Green Day transitioned to rock opera with American Idiot, it sparked a divide among fans. Some hailed the change as innovative, while others felt disconnected from their roots. Similarly, FromSoftware's departure from Elden Ring could be a necessary step in fostering fresh creativity, just as musicians must sometimes risk alienating their core audience to explore new sounds and push art forward. This parallel illustrates that innovation can come at a cost, but if executed thoughtfully, can ultimately lead to greater artistic achievements.