Kadokawa, the parent company of FromSoftware, is optimistic that the upcoming release of the Elden Ring spin-off, Nightreign, along with the Tarnished Edition for Switch 2, will counterbalance a forecasted drop in gaming profits for this fiscal year.
According to the latest financial report, the company anticipates a staggering 60% decline in gaming revenue for FY2025, a result of the record-breaking success of Elden Ring and its DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, from the previous year.
Nonetheless, they are hopeful about surpassing these expectations with new successful titles and increased sales of existing games, as they aim to maximize the enduring popularity of Elden Ring.
Elden Ring Nightreign is an engaging online multiplayer co-op spin-off featuring roguelite elements, where players unite to tackle a variety of Nightlord bosses. It is set to launch on May 30 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
The Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is also slated for release later this year on the Switch 2, although a specific launch date has yet to be confirmed. This edition will mark the first time the game appears on a Nintendo platform and will introduce two new character classes, refreshed designs for the Torrent mount, and additional features that will also be available through updates on existing platforms.
Despite these exciting releases, Kadokawa still anticipates a substantial profit decline.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to experience Elden Ring Nightreign firsthand and was pleasantly surprised by its innovative twist on the Soulslike formula, even though multiplayer hasn’t been my preferred gaming style.
While the game has received favorable feedback, the enthusiasm surrounding it seems somewhat tempered compared to the phenomenon that was the original title. Following a recent network test, the director has even promised to adjust its difficulty to enhance the experience.
Kadokawa has also announced The Duskbloods for Switch 2 as part of its long-term strategy. This entirely new game aims to further broaden their global audience, although its emphasis on multiplayer play has raised some concerns among fans, similar to those surrounding Nightreign.
FromSoftware’s head, Hidetaka Miyazaki, reassured fans that the studio has not shifted its focus exclusively to multiplayer experiences, despite the apparent trend with both Nightreign and The Duskbloods.
