Tencent, a major stakeholder in the celebrated game developer From Software, has undertaken the task of creating a mobile adaptation of the critically acclaimed title Elden Ring. While the project is aimed at delivering a gaming experience on mobile platforms, its development has been advancing at a deliberate pace, with a modest team forging the initial phases of this ambitious enterprise.
The adaptation process draws inspiration from the successful mobile game model established by Genshin Impact, which encapsulates a no-cost entry with a revenue model based on microtransactions. Reports indicate the plan to mirror this model, aiming for a mobile offering that blends access without upfront cost and optional in-app purchases to enrich experiences or progression.
The mobile project’s reveal comes amidst a backdrop of steady success for the original Elden Ring game, which has enjoyed both critical acclaim and substantial sales, boasting over 20 million units sold globally as of May 2023. This feat not only speaks to the game’s mass appeal but also underscores the potential for its successful translation into the mobile gaming sphere.
In parallel, From Software, supported by its parent company, Kadokawa Corporation, has expressed intentions to bolster the Elden Ring franchise through strategic content expansions. Yet, specifics regarding the highly anticipated enlargement titled “Shadow of the Erdtree” remain limited, and fans eagerly await confirmations, particularly around the speculated release timing set for February 2024.
Here is a breakdown of the current state of the Elden Ring mobile project and related developments:
- Project Progression: Slow, with a dedicated team working on initial prototyping.
- Development Inspiration: Adopting a business model similar to Genshin Impact’s successful free-to-play framework.
- Parent Company Objective: Kadokawa Corporation targets profit maximization by extending the lifespan of the Elden Ring IP through additional content.
- Current Sales Achievement: Elden Ring sales have hit 20.5 million units worldwide as of mid-2023.
- Expected Expansion Release: The launch date for “Shadow of the Erdtree” remains undisclosed, with February 2024 as the anticipated timeline.
