FromSoftware owner Kadokawa hopes the release of Elden Ring spin-off Nightreign, as well as the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition on Switch 2, will offset a projected decline in gaming profits this fiscal year.
The company has forecast a 60 percent decline in profits for its gaming segment for FY2025, owing to the huge success last year of Elden Ring and its DLC Shadow of the Erdtree, according to the company’s latest financial results.
However, the company hopes to “exceed the forecast with new hit titles and expanded sales of past titles” as it maximises the long-term value of Elden Ring.
Elden Ring Nightreign is an online multiplayer co-operative spin-off with roguelite elements that sees players join forces to beat a host of Nightlord bosses. It releases on 30th May across PC, PS4, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Elden Ring Tarnished Edition will release later this year on Switch 2, though is currently without a firm release date, and will mark the game’s debut on a Nintendo console. It will include two new classes, new looks for the Torrent mount, and other additions that will also come to existing platforms in an update.
However, even with these releases, Kadokawa is expecting a big decline in profit.
I went hands-on with Elden Ring Nightreign earlier this year and came away impressed with its twist on familiar Soulslike gameplay, despite not being a big fan of multiplayer in the past.
Despite positive criticism, excitement seems muted compared to the success of the base game. Yesterday, its director promised tweaks to its difficulty following the network test earlier this year.
Kadokawa also points to The Duskbloods, announced for Switch 2, as part of its longer term plan. It’s a completely new game exclusive to Nintendo’s new console that’s expected to “further expand the global fanbase”, although its multiplayer focus has raised concerns with fans alongside Nightreign’s online play.
FromSoftware boss Hidetaka Miyazaki confirmed the studio hasn’t shifted to focus on multiplayer games, despite that appearing to be the case with both Nightreign and The Duskbloods.
