Elden Ring Nightreign director had concerns “about not necessarily being able to play slow like previous titles,” but FromSoftware “wanted to create something new”

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In their development of the cooperative spin-off Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware found themselves at a critical juncture due to apprehensions about whether its three-day structure would permit players to savor and explore like they could in their earlier, single-player-centric games.

Among the pleasures found in games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, beyond triumphing over a vexing boss after countless attempts, lies the satisfaction of halting the carnage, gazing at a breathtaking panorama above, and perhaps meandering through stunning, centuries-old ruins.

In Elden Ring Nightreign, freedom isn’t quite as abundant. The game’s matches, approximately 45 minutes long, unfold across three in-game days. If your goal is to defeat the major boss at the end, you’ll need to maintain a steady pace, gathering loot and vanquishing smaller enemies throughout your journey.

According to director Junya Ishizaki, the hastier, more pressing structure seemed to cause some apprehension within the studio, as it deviated from the slower pace seen in earlier titles like Elden Ring, making it challenging to savor and fully appreciate all the happenings.

He explained that the decision at this juncture was significant, potentially causing tension among developers and players alike. However, they strongly believed this was the right path for this specific title. They saw it as a chance to innovate, to create something fresh and exciting that presented a new challenge for them. He felt this was an essential milestone in the development of this game.

In that same chat, Ishizaki explained that for his team, reusing assets isn’t about directly duplicating them; instead, they’re always finding new methods to innovate and evolve their work. (As a huge fan, I’m just saying!)

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2025-06-01 14:14