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Elden Ring: A New Chapter in Ownership and Future Prospects
FromSoftware, the esteemed video game developer behind titles such as Bloodborne and Dark Souls, has recently taken a monumental step by acquiring full ownership of the Elden Ring trademark from Bandai Namco, according to a document from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This shift in trademark ownership, finalized in March 2023, marks a significant turning point for the critically acclaimed action RPG released in February 2022.
The Road to Independence: FromSoftware’s Ownership Transition
The transition of Elden Ring’s trademark signifies a notable move towards independence for FromSoftware. The document depicts that Bandai Namco, the game’s publisher, has transferred all rights, title, interest, and the associated goodwill of the business symbolized by the trademark to FromSoftware. This alteration of ownership, although not widely publicized, was identified by enthusiasts and reported in April 2023. This stride could potentially offer FromSoftware more autonomy over its creations, a development well-received by the community.
Elden Ring’s Commercial Triumph and Expansion
Elden Ring not only captivated players with its enchanting open world and demanding combat but also achieved commercial success, selling over 20 million copies in its first year. This achievement set the stage for the announcement of Elden Ring’s first DLC expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, ardently awaited by fans. Additionally, reports have emerged suggesting a mobile version of Elden Ring developed by Tencent is in progress, indicating the franchise’s expanding horizon.
Investments and Future Aspirations
Notably, FromSoftware has been the subject of investments from industry giants Sony and Tencent since August 2022. Such financial backing has strengthened speculation regarding the developer’s capability for self-publishing and possibly undertaking projects from smaller studios. This strategic maneuver for the Elden Ring IP embodies FromSoftware’s ambitions and might pave the way for further expansions or sequels, as hinted by the development of significant downloadable content for the original game.
The Influence of Ownership Change on Future Projects
Although FromSoftware’s acquisition of the Elden Ring trademark does not immediately alter the game’s publishing arrangements—with Bandai Namco still involved in publishing duties—it points towards FromSoftware’s growing ambitions. This change might influence the studio’s approach to future game releases, especially considering its plan to expand in size and potentially self-publish future titles. With the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC in anticipation, the community is left pondering what other surprises FromSoftware might have up its sleeve.
The announcement of Elden Ring’s full ownership transfer to FromSoftware opens up a vast landscape of possibilities for the franchise. Will this newfound independence expedite the release of the eagerly anticipated DLC, or does it hint at a broader strategy for sequel development? As FromSoftware embarks on this exhilarating new chapter, the gaming world watches with bated breath, eager to explore the depths of what this revered developer plans next for Elden Ring.
