FromSoftware is a company with a long history. They began in 1986 making productivity software, launched King’s Field, their first game, in 1994, and have consistently put out games and other software all the way up to the release of Sekiro in 2019. Currently, their longest-running franchise is the Armored Core series, with fifteen games released over 16 years. But with such a long and storied history, where could the company go from here?
The Cycle Continues
The first and most obvious choice for FromSoftware would be to continue established series. New installments in veteran franchises like Armored Core would certainly bring in a substantial playerbase, while remakes or sequels for games like Bloodborne or Dark Souls would of course bring success. Resurrection of older titles is also something that could work, with games such as Otogi, Eternal Ring, and Evergrace being ripe for remake or sequel development.
This approach does have the issue of not being very original or inventive, so they’d need to be careful. Constant sequels can lead to creative stagnation and fatigue in regards to the formula behind the series, and with a company as creative as FromSoftware, it would be a shame to see them just go with the flow and not take any creative risks.
Or just bring back this wonderful thing.
Time For Something New
Alternatively, FromSoftware could do what they’ve done with Sekiro and release a new IP. Bloodborne and Sekiro have both proven that they can also produce new IPs with fresh ideas and great artistic direction. As for the other storied franchise, the customisation and mission-based structure of Armored Core could work quite well in another setting, as the rigid structure is conducive to a more traditional game experience.
Admittedly with such a rabid fanbase for certain franchises, any attempt at a new IP is met with intense scrutiny. While these comparisons are fair given the last two IP’s similarities to the Souls formula, they do serve to undermine their individuality as well, as they are boiled down to being just “more Souls” instead of their own thing.
Oh how one can dream… Credit to: https://www.facebook.com/Darksoulsindia/
Thoughts
FromSoftware has been around for a long time, and personally I’m up for whatever they produce. Admittedly the Souls formula started getting a bit stale by Dark Souls 3, and Bloodborne and Sekiro were much needed variations on repeated mechanics. Armored Core is a long-running franchise to be sure, but the latest installments haven’t exactly done the series justice. I think taking certain aspects and applying them to new ideas would be best for the company.
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