In a recent multi-part interview held with Nintendo, Hidetaka Miyazaki, the acclaimed director behind some of the most revered titles in gaming, attempted to allay concerns regarding FromSoftware's focus moving away from single-player games. Known for crafting engaging single-player narratives within dark fantasy settings—most famously illustrated in hits like Elden Ring and the Dark Souls series—the studio is currently venturing into multiplayer territory with two new titles.

Miyazaki emphasized, “While this is an online multiplayer title at its core, it doesn’t signify that we’re abandoning our roots in single-player game design moving forward.” This statement is timely as fans of the studio’s traditional offerings expressed anxieties that the allure of multiplayer might eclipse the beloved single-player experiences.

Another key announcement from the interview was the confirmation of a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Elden Ring. Miyazaki reassured fans that FromSoftware remains committed to developing single-player focused games, confirming that they will continue to embrace their classical design philosophy.

The three-part interview delved deeper into the newly unveiled game, The Duskbloods, which, while reminiscent of Bloodborne, introduces a multiplayer format that marks a significant shift for the developer. This new title stands in contrast to the other multiplayer project in development, Elden Ring Nightreign, which is being directed by Junya Ishizaki and is scheduled for a release in late May. Where Nightreign will offer a fully cooperative player versus environment (PvE) battle royale experience, The Duskbloods will incorporate a player versus player versus environment (PvPvE) framework, accommodating up to eight players.

Players in The Duskbloods will have the chance to select from an extensive roster of over a dozen characters known as “Bloodsworn.” These characters are vampiric figures endowed with extraordinary abilities, including super-jumps and double-jumps, all derived from the consumption of a unique mystical blood. Miyazaki elaborated, “While they share some similarities to vampires, they are not depicted as the terrifying creatures typically associated with traditional vampirism.” This aspect echoes the class-based character customization system seen in Elden Ring Nightreign, with Miyazaki hinting that players will have a certain level of flexibility to customize their characters, raising excitement among fans who appreciate the fashion-centric focus of the series.

Set against gothic and Victorian-inspired backdrops, Bloodsworn will engage in rounds competing for “first blood,” with varying objectives designed to keep gameplay fresh. While some rounds will emphasize the last-player-standing mechanic, others may require players to collaborate in order to defeat formidable bosses. Notably, players will also be able to earn “victory points” based on non-combat objectives, a thoughtful design choice aimed at accommodating those who prefer not to engage in direct player versus player combat. Miyazaki shared his personal connection to this aspect of the game, admitting, “I’m not particularly fond of PvP myself, and I wanted to create something that would be enjoyable even for players like me.”

Adding to the allure for fans of FromSoftware's narrative depth, The Duskbloods will be infused with rich lore that may connect back to previous Souls titles. For instance, the winged rat glimpsed at the conclusion of the game’s trailer is revealed to be an “elderly gentleman,” paralleling the role of fire keepers from the Dark Souls series, providing players with guidance and advice in the game’s hub world.

Despite the surprise of The Duskbloods being a Switch 2-exclusive multiplayer battler rather than a straightforward single-player title, many fans are optimistic about FromSoftware’s willingness to experiment with new ideas. The studio's multiplayer ambitions will be partially unveiled next month with the launch of Elden Ring Nightreign on May 30th. Meanwhile, Miyazaki has the luxury of time to refine The Duskbloods, which is not expected to release until 2026.