FromSoftware reveals its reason for partnering with Nintendo to develop

The Duskbloods is an instance of surprising partnership between FromSoftware and Nintendo. As the game is undergoing fan impressions from its first Network Test, FromSoftware takes a chance to discuss the game’s origins and future development.

Hideki Miyazaki, game director of The Duskbloods, joined an interview with IGN to expand on the details behind FromSoft’s new partnership. Before meeting with Nintendo, it was configuring an original, ambitious multiplayer project, though the overall idea appeared extremely complicated. The studio recognized its inexperience teaching in-game mechanics properly, instead relying on players to discover the controls and rules themselves in previous titles.

“Also with the complexity of the systems, the onboarding tutorials and making sure players understand how the game works and how to succeed in the game is something we’ve historically not been super great at conveying instantly”

This would influence FromSoft to approach Nintendo for its assistance, wanting to deliver something unique and understandable with complex depth for its fans. Nintendo would find the game intriguing enough to support, lending its expertise for simplifying and balancing complex mechanics during The Duskbloods’ development.

“In terms of the reason that we initially decided to go with Nintendo, we had had an opportunity to discuss the idea for the game with them and I think they seemed very excited and very receptive to the idea, they seemed very forward thinking in terms of how to do it; the systems and the overall ruleset of the game are very unique, and I think having someone who can constantly give us feedback, support, additional ideas, and the balancing first of all because these features are quite complex and difficult – having this relationship is definitely key to that; In this case, Nintendo is definitely the right partner for better conveying that information in a way that is understandable to the player; it definitely suits their strengths.”

FromSoftware seems very eager to release the most ideal PvPvE experience to its community. That’s why the studio is looking forward to supporting The Duskbloods through in-game balances and configurations post-launch, similar to Elden Ring Nightreign. Major additional content isn’t confirmed, though it appears the studio wants to deliver the most immersive, ideal lore between the characters and world of the game. 

“In terms of things like bug fixes and balancing, we plan on supporting that as much as we can, and we have experience with Nightreign when it comes to multiplayer games and the level of support that’s required to keep those playable and balanced. We’re definitely going into The Duskbloods with that in mind. In terms of a content roadmap, we’re not really at a point where we can talk about that; While nothing specific in terms of additional content, we definitely do see the story and the relationships between our characters developing with additional content. We want that to be the case, for sure”

Originally, The Duskbloods was supposed to release for the Nintendo Switch, but the reveal of its successor gave FromSoft more room to optimize the unique PvPvE battles with better, consistent specs. Its first Network Test seems to have performed decently for the new IP, so its official debut launch will depend on the studio’s work, which could be shown through more marketing.

Brandon Williams

Brandon has played games ever since the PS2 like Ape Escape, Rampage Total Destruction, and Crash Bandicoot. His love for RPGs would only grow once he played Persona 3, which made him try other immersive games like Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne and Xenoblade Chronicles. He continues to play on modern consoles like PS4 and Nintendo Switch 2.