Why Elden Ring Became The Benchmark For Future Open World RPG’s

Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco, achieved massive success for several reasons. The game became a cultural phenomenon by blending innovative design, meticulous world-building, and unique gameplay mechanics. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that contributed to its success:

1. Collaboration Between Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin

• Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of the “Soulsborne” games, brought his signature style of challenging gameplay and cryptic storytelling.
• George R.R. Martin, author of A Song of Ice and Fire, contributed to the game’s lore, creating a rich and immersive backstory that elevated the game’s narrative depth.
• This collaboration generated significant hype among fans of both creators.

2. Open-World Design

• Elden Ring marked FromSoftware’s first foray into a fully open-world format, offering players the freedom to explore a vast and interconnected world called the Lands Between.
• Unlike traditional open-world games, it emphasized discovery and mystery, rewarding players for exploration with meaningful encounters, treasures, and hidden lore.

3. Challenging but Rewarding Gameplay

• Staying true to FromSoftware’s roots, the game offered challenging combat and strategic encounters.
• The sense of accomplishment after overcoming difficult bosses resonated with fans of the studio’s previous titles.
• New mechanics like horseback combat and a customizable arsenal of skills added fresh dimensions to the gameplay.

4. Accessibility and Broad Appeal

• Elden Ring refined the notoriously difficult “Soulsborne” formula to make it more accessible to newcomers:
  • Spirit Summons and Multiplayer Coop made it easier for players to tackle difficult sections.
  • The open world allowed players to choose their own pace, enabling them to avoid difficult areas and return later.
• At the same time, the game retained enough difficulty to satisfy hardcore fans.

5. Rich World-Building and Art Direction

• The Lands Between is a visually stunning and hauntingly atmospheric world, filled with memorable landscapes, unique enemies, and intricate architecture.
• The fragmented storytelling, combined with item descriptions and environmental clues, encouraged players to piece together the lore, sparking community discussions.

6. Cultural Impact and Community Engagement

• Elden Ring became a cultural event, with extensive online discussions, fan theories, memes, and walkthroughs.
• The game’s design encouraged cooperative and competitive multiplayer interactions, fostering a strong sense of community.

7. Universal Acclaim

• Critics and players alike praised the game for its ambitious scope, polished gameplay, and immersive experience.
• It won numerous “Game of the Year” awards and solidified FromSoftware’s reputation as a pioneer in modern gaming.

8. Timing and Anticipation

• Released in February 2022, it benefited from the buzz built over several years since its announcement in 2019.
• The game arrived at a time when many gamers were looking for a deep and challenging experience, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which heightened interest in expansive, escapist entertainment.

Conclusion

Elden Ring’s success lies in its ability to merge FromSoftware’s tried-and-true mechanics with a bold new vision. By combining masterful world-building, challenging yet rewarding gameplay, and a compelling open-world experience, it struck a chord with both fans and newcomers, setting a new benchmark for action RPGs.