Elden Ring: Nightreign Confirmed as Fully Standalone Title, Not a Live Service Game, According to FromSoftware

Following the unexpected unveiling of Elden Ring: Nightreign at The Game Awards 2024, both FromSoftware and Bandai Namco have provided key insights regarding the game’s future launch. Scheduled for release at an unspecified date in 2025, Nightreign is set to differ from traditional Soulslike titles by adopting an open-world, co-op roguelike format. Notably, this installment will feature preset characters, shifting away from the player-created protagonist model that fans of the franchise may expect.

According to a report by PC Gamer, Elden Ring: Nightreign will not follow a live service model. Director Junya Ishizaki highlighted the intention behind the game, stating, “We wanted to have a game that felt like a complete package out of the box.”He assured fans that although post-release updates will be implemented, the game will be fully equipped with diverse content at launch. Furthermore, Bandai Namco announced that Nightreign will not be sold at a full-price point; instead, it will be priced similarly to Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

Elden Ring: Nightreign Will Avoid Live Service Mechanics

Director Confirms Departure from Live Service Mechanics

Elden Ring Nightreign player gliding. — FromSoftware

Initial trailers and previews of Nightreign suggest influences from typical live service games, including cooperative gameplay, dynamically generated levels, and a battle royale-inspired mechanism that restricts map exploration over a limited timeframe. However, it’s clear that FromSoftware is intentionally steering away from the live service format. This is likely a reassuring decision for longtime fans who prefer a more traditional gaming experience.

Opting out of the live service model seems strategically sound. While a live service version of Nightreign might have attracted interest given the success of Elden Ring, the live service landscape is becoming increasingly crowded. Additionally, implementing upfront pricing for Nightreign could complicate its appeal in a market that often leans towards free-to-play models supported by monetization strategies—a direction that could alienate FromSoftware’s devoted fan base.

Potential Drawbacks of Nightreign’s Single-Purchase Model

Benefits of Avoiding Live Service, But Possible Limitations on Future Content

While the decision to forgo the live service paradigm provides clear advantages to Nightreign, it might also result in a few limitations. As Ishizaki mentioned the potential for post-launch updates, these are likely to align with the kind of adjustments seen in Elden Ring—primarily focused on balance tweaks rather than significant content additions. In contrast, successful live service games often introduce new material frequently, a feature that Nightreign may lack due to its single-purchase structure.

From the previews, Nightreign appears to mark a dramatic shift for FromSoftware, enhancing mobility and action while simplifying traditional progression mechanics found in Soulslike games—a departure that may not resonate with every fan. Fortunately, a network test will allow select players to experience the game ahead of its full launch. Regardless of varying opinions, Elden Ring: Nightreign is slated for a complete release in 2025.

Source: PC Gamer

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