The digital air crackles with anticipation. Fans of the notoriously challenging yet profoundly rewarding titles from Japanese developer From Software have a new reason to lean forward. Recent whispers from the gaming sphere suggest that the studio behind modern classics like Elden Ring and Dark Souls is on the cusp of unveiling a new multiplatform game, reportedly in “advanced stages of production” and eyeing a release as early as 2026.
The Enigma of `FMC`: A Crystalline Clue or a Red Herring?
According to a report circulating via MP1st, this mysterious new project bears the internal codename “FMC.” For those uninitiated in the esoteric art of internal codename analysis, this might seem like little more than a random three-letter combination. However, for the discerning From Software aficionado, it`s a tantalizing crumb of data. Historically, the “F” in their codenames has been a recurring motif for certain types of projects. Remember the labyrinthine corridors of Dark Souls or the mechanized ballet of Armored Core 6? Both featured an `F` in their respective internal monikers.
Conversely, titles like the colossal open-world hit Elden Ring reportedly went by “GR,” and the recently announced multiplayer spin-off, Elden Ring: Nightreign, used “CL.” This subtle pattern, while hardly a definitive blueprint for future releases, gives speculators just enough rope to hang their theories. It`s a game of high-stakes word association, played by millions of eager fans.
Dissecting the Speculation: What `FMC` Isn`t (Probably)
The report is quick to clarify what “FMC” is unlikely to be. Given From Software`s practice of retaining similar codenames for DLC as their base games, it`s improbable that “FMC” is a mere expansion for an existing title. This immediately prunes the rumor tree, removing potential growth from the roots of Elden Ring or Armored Core`s recent successes.
Furthermore, “FMC” is described as a “multiplatform” title. This detail conveniently excludes The Duskbloods, From Software`s recently announced multiplayer-focused exclusive for the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2. So, for those hoping to dive into a new, cryptic adventure on their console of choice, the path remains clear of console-specific detours.
With these exclusions, the spotlight swings back to the heavy hitters: the esteemed Dark Souls series or the revitalized Armored Core franchise. Could “FMC” herald a brand-new entry in one of these beloved sagas? Or, and here`s where the intrigue deepens, could it be a long-awaited remake or remaster? The mention of Dark Souls 3 as a potential candidate for a contemporary polish is enough to make many a veteran player`s heart skip a beat. Imagine a modern rendition of Lothric, glistening with current-gen fidelity and even more elusive online summons!
A Studio on a Roll: The Relentless March of From Software
One might wonder how From Software manages such a prodigious output. The studio has been remarkably active, delivering Armored Core 6 in 2023, following up with the critically acclaimed Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for Elden Ring last year, and then launching Elden Ring: Nightreign in May. Add to this the recent announcement of The Duskbloods for the Nintendo Switch 2, and it becomes clear that “resting on their laurels” is not a phrase in Hidetaka Miyazaki`s vocabulary.
This relentless pace, however, had some fans a tad nervous. The recent foray into multiplayer-focused titles like Nightreign and The Duskbloods sparked quiet anxieties about a potential shift away from the meticulously crafted single-player experiences that cemented From Software`s legendary status. But fear not, Tarnished and Chosen Undead alike!
Miyazaki`s Reassurance: The Soul of Single-Player Endures
Hidetaka Miyazaki, the visionary director and president of From Software, has previously offered a comforting balm to these concerns. He emphatically stated that the studio is “not abandoning single-player games” and remains committed to making titles that “embrace our more traditional style.” This declaration, made in the context of their multiplayer ventures, suggests a strategic diversification rather than a fundamental pivot. It appears From Software is capable of walking and chewing gum simultaneously – delivering both innovative multiplayer experiences and the challenging, solitary journeys that define their core identity.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reported leaks and speculation. Official announcements from From Software are pending, and all information should be treated as unconfirmed until verified by the developer.
Callum Darby