FromSoftware
Masters of challenging action RPGs
FromSoftware is a Japanese developer known for the Souls series, creating a genre of demanding action RPGs that reward patience and skill.
Overview
FromSoftware is a Japanese video game developer founded in 1986. Originally known for the Armored Core and King’s Field series, they achieved global recognition with Demon’s Souls (2009) and Dark Souls (2011), establishing the “Souls-like” subgenre.
Key Titles
- King’s Field (1994): Early first-person dungeon crawler
- Armored Core (1997): Mech combat series
- Demon’s Souls (2009): Blueprint for modern challenging action RPGs
- Dark Souls (2011): Mainstream breakthrough
- Bloodborne (2015): Gothic horror variation
- Sekiro (2019): Action-focused combat
- Elden Ring (2022): Open world collaboration with George R.R. Martin
Design Philosophy
FromSoftware games emphasise:
- High difficulty requiring mastery
- Interconnected world design
- Environmental storytelling
- Player-driven difficulty through levelling and summoning
- Deliberate, methodical combat