From Software Announces The Duskbloods, A New RPG Exclusive To Switch 2

@BeefoTheBold: So I'm a little torn. Well, not really. But let me explain. I actually believe these two games are being made with genuine artistic vision. But they are shaped by the era from which they hail.

Looking back, the community aspect has always been a core part of the "Souls" games since the PS3. Yes it was optional, but as artists, it was only a matter of time before FromSoft started exploring new ways to create multiplayer experiences. It wasn't always going to be the same type of game forever. I think most artists want to challenge themselves and do fresh things, and trust me, you don't want a game made by a team that didn't want to work on the game.

The world is also ever changing, and sometimes as a developer, you have to adapt to that change. At the very least, branching out and creating new IPs helps to avoid being called a one-trick pony studio.

I think one issue FromSoft was facing is that when co-op exists in a game, it comes with a certain set of expectations, within that particular era. The co-op in Elden Ring (2022) being designed the same way it was in Demon's Souls (2009) was borderline unacceptable for many players, and for good reason: the standards had changed since then. If a game has co-op functionality these days, it needs to have some kind of lobby or grouping system, and the gameplay needs to be seamless because you're competing with games that have that, even if they're not Souls games.

This is where Neighreign comes in; they're taking that popular desire for seamless connectivity and jolly co-op play and creating a unique game designed around playing together with friends. With Duskbloods it's a bit vague right now, it seems to be a unique type of experience. But I don't believe these games are born out of desperation or corporate greed; I believe FromSoft genuinely wanted to create these games.

With Nightreign, they're letting one of the designers that has been at FromSoft for a long time design his own game, and Duskbloods is a new Miyazaki game. I don't think a legendary director like him would create something he didn't want to make. As gamers, it's important to respect these things and meet the developers in the middle when possible. Sometimes, something just flat-out doesn't appeal to you, and that's OK, but you know what? I think I'm gonna try to keep an open mind out of respect for the studio. Well, it helps that I'm not allergic to co-op. Duskbloods will be harder to convince me to play due to its seemingly mandatory PvP.