FromSoftware's upcoming action RPG with Battle Royale elements
Elden Ring, with over 30 million copies sold, has propelled its developer FromSoftware to global acclaim, yet Kadokawa, its parent company, is under fire from activist investor Oasis Management for not maximizing profits, especially through self-publishing globally. Despite CEO Takeshi Natsuno surviving a recent shareholder vote, Oasis, now holding a 15.25% stake, continues to push for strategic changes. The franchise's future, including the upcoming Tarnished Edition and potential sequels, hangs in the balance.
Hidetaka Miyazaki assures fans that FromSoftware remains free to create the games it wants despite Kadokawa's investor pressures, teasing both announced and unannounced titles, including Elden Ring's upcoming Switch 2 release. With Elden Ring surpassing 30 million copies sold worldwide, the studio's creative autonomy is a relief to fans worried about the influence of major shareholders like Oasis Management Company. Miyazaki emphasizes maintaining the current development environment as a priority.
Nintendo may strategically pit its highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake or The Duskbloods against GTA 6 in November, leveraging its typical pre-Black Friday release strategy. This move, if confirmed, would place one of Nintendo's strongest titles directly against the impending release of Rockstar's behemoth. The decision hinges on whether Nintendo aims to capitalize on the holiday rush by releasing a major title in November.
FromSoftware's The Duskbloods, an online action RPG with Battle Royale-like elements, is gearing up for an online network test this summer exclusively on Switch 2. Despite this, a specific release date within the 2026 window remains unconfirmed. The game promises up to 8-player online multiplayer, PvE missions, and a unique gameplay loop that blends competition with cooperative elements.
Nintendo's new "Choose Your Game" Switch 2 bundle, launching in early June for $499.99, includes the console and one of three blockbuster games (Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia), saving buyers $20 to $30. This deal beats the upcoming September 1 price rise to $499.99 and provides a discounted game. It's an opportune time to buy, especially with the Ocarina of Time remake rumored for later this year.
Nintendo aims to counterbalance the Switch 2's recent price hike with a strong lineup of games, including Star Fox and Splatoon Raiders this summer, alongside rumoured titles like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. With Pokémon Pokopia and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream already performing well, the company hopes to enhance the console's ownership value. High-profile exclusives like FromSoftware's The Duskbloods further bolster the roster.
A newly uncovered cutscene from Elden Ring reveals Miquella's lore, igniting excitement for upcoming YouTube theories and analysis.