Summary
From humble beginnings as a business software developer in the 1980s,FromSoftware’s inventive ambient storytelling, unique approach to game design, and consumer-focused business practices have made it one of the industry’s most respected and beloved developers. There seem to be no signs of that changing anytime soon, with the response toShadow of the Erdtree’s first trailerbeing hugely positive, and with multiple projects reportedly in the works, there is a lot for fans to look forward to.
However, whenFromSoftwarereleased its first game in 1994, reactions from both critics and gamers were mixed. WhileKing’s Fieldwas praised for its atmosphere, world design, and combat mechanics, it was also criticized for being oblique, overly complex, and too difficult—praise and criticism which would apply to every subsequent FromSoftware game going forward.
The Moonlight Sword first appeared inKing’s Fieldand was a vital part of that game’s story. Almost all subsequent FromSoftware games have included a version of the weapon, in homage to the developer’s origins.Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicedid not include a version of the weapon due to strict aesthetic rules Hidetaka Miyazaki put in place during development.
From Software’s Games Are an Acquired Taste
Despite mixed reviews,King’s Fieldsold twice what FromSoftware had projected, earning it a sequel. The sequel sold better than the first game, and this time reviews were almost universally positive. A 35/40 from Famitsu and sales to match meantKing’s Field 2made it to the West. From that point onward, most of FromSoftware’s games would also see Western releases.
FromSoftware followed upKing’s Field 2with a third game, and a year later introduced the world toits grim, philosophically minded mech series:Armored Core. Now an established developer, FromSoftware began branching out, applying its design precepts to every genre from survival-horror to character action game.
The developer’s unique combination of punishing gameplay, atmospheric world design, and dark, complex narrative was (and remains) an acquired taste—and in the mid-2000s it had yet to be fully acquired by gamers and critics. Despite eventually developing cult fan bases, games likeEvergrace,Eternal Ring, andKuonreceived mixed reviews at launch.
The Explosion of the Souls Series
In 2009Demon’s Soulsreleased for the PS3and was an instant smash hit. Unlike anything players had seen before, the game’s mystery and difficulty created an instant community, with wikis and chat rooms popping up for players to share theories, builds, and tips to help one another overcome the game’s many challenges.
Dark Soulsfollowed in 2011, a spiritual successor toDemon’s Soulsthat developed on everything FromSoftware had done in 2009. Players now explored a single interconnected world, rather than a series of levels, and the game’s lore and worldbuilding were darker and more intricately intertwined with the game’s core design than ever before. Regarded now as one of the greatest games ever made,Dark Soulsset a standard in the industryand established a entirely new genre of video game.
Dark Soulswas followed by two direct sequels, and then a spiritual successor in the form ofBloodborne—a horror-tinged adventure through a Lovecraft-inspired world where werewolves stalk the streets, cosmic horrors lurk in the shadows, and only madness allows you to see the world as it really is. In 2019Bloodbornewas followed bySekiro: Shadows Die Twice, a passion project forDark Soulsdirector Hidetaka Miyazaki, and an impressive artistic achievement—even if the game’s punishing difficulty meant many players were unable to finish it.
FromSoftware, Industry Superstar
With 2022’sElden Ring, FromSoftware established itselfas one of the industry’s most important developers. A brand-new M rated IP from a developer with a reputation for notoriously difficult and complex games,Elden Ringwent on to become the second-highest selling game of 2022—outsellingPokemon Scarlet and Violet,Madden NFL 2023, andFIFA 23. With no microtransactions or game design compromises,Elden Ringproved that quality is what players value most. 2023’sArmoured Core 6: Fires of Rubiconreinforced this when it released to massive commercial success and critical acclaim.
With multiple new projects in the works,the future is bright for FromSoftware. Through nothing more than hard work and a commitment to making great games, the company has become one of the most important and well-regarded developers in the industry. Despite the dark themes of many of its games, FromSoftware serves as a guiding light for what AAA development can be at its very best.
From Software
Based in Japan, FromSoftware is a development company best known for the Souls series and Armored Core franchise. Other popular games from From Software include Elden Ring, Sekiro, Bloodborne, and the King’s Field series.
