FromSoftware's new project, The Duskbloods, is drawing attention not only because of the studio's pedigree but also because of a newly publicized development partnership with Nintendo.
In an interview with IGN, director Hidetaka Miyazaki discussed how Nintendo's involvement has influenced the team's approach to onboarding, balancing and communicating complex game systems.
The Duskbloods recently opened a limited network test for selected applicants this weekend, with scheduled access windows for participants.
FromSoftware built its reputation on challenging, often opaque designs that encourage player discovery.
Notable achievements include the Dark Souls series (beginning in 2011), Bloodborne (2015), Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) and the multi-award-winning Elden Ring, which released on February 25, 2022.
Those titles helped define a design philosophy that trusts players to learn through trial and exploration, but Miyazaki acknowledged that approach has sometimes made initial onboarding difficult.
Paraphrasing Miyazaki's remarks to IGN, he said that historically the studio frequently relied on dropping players into systems and trusting them to work things out, and that this method did not always convey how to succeed quickly.
He explained that Nintendo's collaboration has provided constant feedback, design support and additional ideas that are helping the team refine balance and clarify mechanics.
Miyazaki added that Nintendo's strengths in communicating systems to players make them a valuable partner for improving onboarding and tutorial design.
Miyazaki also conveyed that Nintendo reacted positively to the core concept for The Duskbloods, describing the publisher's response as enthusiastic and calling the proposal forward-thinking.
That early endorsement gave the director confidence to proceed with the project beyond purely business considerations.
For players interested in trying the game early, FromSoftware ran a network test this weekend for those who applied and were accepted; the test was available during specific time windows.
Prospective participants were advised to consult official sources for exact schedules and participation details.
As The Duskbloods moves through testing, the collaboration between FromSoftware and Nintendo is a notable development in both companies' histories.
For publishers, platform partners and developers alike, the pairing underscores how expertise in player onboarding and system communication can shape design decisions for complex action-RPG experiences.
Watch for further official announcements via Nintendo Direct or publisher channels and storefront listings such as the eShop for confirmed release and platform information.
In an interview with IGN, director Hidetaka Miyazaki discussed how Nintendo's involvement has influenced the team's approach to onboarding, balancing and communicating complex game systems.
The Duskbloods recently opened a limited network test for selected applicants this weekend, with scheduled access windows for participants.
FromSoftware built its reputation on challenging, often opaque designs that encourage player discovery.
Notable achievements include the Dark Souls series (beginning in 2011), Bloodborne (2015), Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) and the multi-award-winning Elden Ring, which released on February 25, 2022.
Those titles helped define a design philosophy that trusts players to learn through trial and exploration, but Miyazaki acknowledged that approach has sometimes made initial onboarding difficult.
Paraphrasing Miyazaki's remarks to IGN, he said that historically the studio frequently relied on dropping players into systems and trusting them to work things out, and that this method did not always convey how to succeed quickly.
He explained that Nintendo's collaboration has provided constant feedback, design support and additional ideas that are helping the team refine balance and clarify mechanics.
Miyazaki added that Nintendo's strengths in communicating systems to players make them a valuable partner for improving onboarding and tutorial design.
Miyazaki also conveyed that Nintendo reacted positively to the core concept for The Duskbloods, describing the publisher's response as enthusiastic and calling the proposal forward-thinking.
That early endorsement gave the director confidence to proceed with the project beyond purely business considerations.
For players interested in trying the game early, FromSoftware ran a network test this weekend for those who applied and were accepted; the test was available during specific time windows.
Prospective participants were advised to consult official sources for exact schedules and participation details.
As The Duskbloods moves through testing, the collaboration between FromSoftware and Nintendo is a notable development in both companies' histories.
For publishers, platform partners and developers alike, the pairing underscores how expertise in player onboarding and system communication can shape design decisions for complex action-RPG experiences.
Watch for further official announcements via Nintendo Direct or publisher channels and storefront listings such as the eShop for confirmed release and platform information.
