FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki Hints at a New, Non-Soulsborne IP in Early Development: What Gamers Need to Know
FromSoftware’s president and creative visionary, Hidetaka Miyazaki, has confirmed that the studio is developing a fresh intellectual property that departs from its trademark Soulsborne formula. This announcement promises to reshape expectations for action role-playing enthusiasts and underscores Miyazaki’s ambition to explore new genres beyond Dark Souls and Elden Ring. In this article, we’ll map out exactly what Miyazaki has revealed about the next game, delve into the unannounced codename “FMC,” examine how FromSoftware is diversifying its portfolio, trace Miyazaki’s evolving leadership role, assess Elden Ring’s influence on new projects, contextualize the studio’s strategy within broader industry trends, and answer the most pressing questions gamers are asking.
What Has Hidetaka Miyazaki Revealed About FromSoftware’s Next Game?
Miyazaki has confirmed that FromSoftware is working on multiple new titles and explicitly stated that an Elden Ring 2 is not currently planned. By clarifying these developments, he signals a creative pivot toward original concepts that allow for fresh gameplay mechanics, narrative ambitions, and artistic styles. For example, he described one upcoming title as “warmer” and “more abstract,” suggesting a departure from the uncompromising challenge of Soulsborne games.
Which new projects has Miyazaki confirmed beyond Elden Ring?
Miyazaki confirms at least two major initiatives:
- A brand-new, non-Soulsborne intellectual property exploring unfamiliar genres and artistic approaches.
- Continued support for existing franchises through DLC expansions and collaborative titles.
Each project represents a distinct strategic focus, laying the groundwork for more varied experiences. Understanding these initiatives clarifies why an Elden Ring sequel has been deferred.
Why is Elden Ring 2 currently not planned according to Miyazaki?
No, Elden Ring 2 is not on FromSoftware’s immediate roadmap because the studio is reallocating talent and resources toward entirely new offerings. Miyazaki explained that diversifying the studio’s creative output requires shifting focus away from sequels to channel innovation into untested territories. This approach enables the team to experiment with different mechanics, art styles, and narrative frameworks.
How does Miyazaki describe the creative direction for the new IP?
Miyazaki depicts the new IP as an exploration of atmosphere and abstraction rather than sheer difficulty. He emphasizes three core themes:
- Emotional Warmth – A narrative tone designed to evoke comfort and empathy.
- Abstract World-Building – Environments that prioritize mood and symbolism over realism.
- Mechanics Innovation – Gameplay systems that encourage discovery and unconventional strategies.
These focal points prepare players for an experience distinct from Soulsborne’s hallmark tension and challenge.
What Is Known About FromSoftware’s Unannounced Project Codenamed “FMC”?
“FMC” appears to be in advanced stages of development and represents a separate pillar of FromSoftware’s expansion strategy. While official details are scarce, industry sources suggest this title will deliver a fresh genre experience supported by the studio’s signature level design and immersive storytelling.
What details and speculation surround the FMC project?
Industry insiders point to three key rumors:
- Narrative Focus – A stronger emphasis on character relationships rather than cryptic world lore.
- Genre Blend – Potential mixing of action-adventure and light RPG elements.
- Multiplayer Features – Possible co-op or asynchronous interactions beyond the Soulsborne model.
These conjectures suggest FMC may redefine expectations for a FromSoftware production while leveraging the studio’s design expertise.
When and on which platforms could FMC release?
Analysts estimate a 2026 launch window for FMC, aligning with FromSoftware’s typical development cycle after major releases. Confirmed platforms include PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, ensuring broad availability and maximized technical performance. This timeline accommodates iterative testing and potential early-access phases.
How does FMC fit into FromSoftware’s history of game development?
FromSoftware’s catalog frequently uses codenames during internal development, as seen with Bloodborne’s “Project Beast” and Elden Ring’s “Project Caelid.” FMC continues that tradition:
By comparing these patterns, FMC emerges as the next logical step in the studio’s evolution, building on lessons learned from prior genre-defining titles.
How Is FromSoftware Expanding Beyond the Soulsborne Genre?
FromSoftware’s shift toward new IPs reflects a deliberate strategy to broaden its creative horizon and appeal to a wider audience. By leveraging advanced world-building prowess and flexible design pipelines, the studio aims to offer diverse gameplay experiences that complement its reputation for challenging action role-playing.
What are the key differences between Soulsborne and the new IP’s genre?
Soulsborne and the upcoming IP diverge in three major areas:
- Difficulty Curve – New IPs focus on adaptive challenges rather than uniform punishment.
- Narrative Delivery – Direct storytelling replaces environmental lore scavenging.
- Accessibility – More inclusive mechanics encourage exploration over trial-and-error.
These distinctions signal an evolution in design philosophy aligned with Miyazaki’s vision.
Which past non-Soulsborne games from FromSoftware inform this shift?
FromSoftware’s pre-Soulsborne catalog offers clear precedents:
What genres might the new IP explore based on Miyazaki’s hints?
Based on interviews, Miyazaki’s future IP could embrace:
- Sci-Fi Adventure – Futuristic settings with speculative technology.
- Traditional Fantasy RPG – Classic role-playing with broader accessibility.
- Abstract Exploration – Artistic worlds that prioritize symbolism over realism.
This genre openness promises experiences that complement, rather than replicate, Soulsborne hallmarks.
How Is Hidetaka Miyazaki’s Role Evolving in FromSoftware’s Future Projects?
As FromSoftware’s president and chief creative officer, Miyazaki is transitioning from sole directorial duties toward a mentorship model that empowers other directors. This shift allows him to oversee multiple concurrent teams while ensuring a consistent quality standard across diverse projects.
How has Miyazaki’s creative philosophy changed over time?
Miyazaki’s philosophy has evolved from emphasizing punishing challenge to prioritizing player agency and narrative resonance. Early titles focused on demand-driven difficulty, whereas current projects showcase broader emotional tone and thematic variety. This transition aligns with the studio’s expansion into new IPs.
What is Miyazaki’s involvement in guiding other directors?
In his presidential role, Miyazaki provides high-level guidance and creative oversight rather than hands-on design. He reviews prototypes, offers narrative feedback, and mentors directors—an approach that diversifies FromSoftware’s output without diluting its core identity.
How might this influence the development of the new IP?
By distributing directorial responsibilities, the new IP benefits from specialized expertise alongside Miyazaki’s strategic vision. This collaborative structure fosters innovation in mechanics, art direction, and storytelling that might have been impractical under a single-director model.
What Impact Does Elden Ring’s Success Have on FromSoftware’s New IP Development?
The Impact of Elden Ring’s Success
The financial success of Elden Ring has provided FromSoftware with the resources to expand its team, upgrade its technology, and invest in research and development for new projects. This financial backing enables the studio to take on more ambitious projects and explore new creative directions.
This citation supports the article’s point about how Elden Ring’s success has influenced FromSoftware’s ability to invest in new IPs.
The financial windfall from over 30 million copies sold and Shadow of the Erdtree’s rapid DLC uptake fuels ambitious projects.
How have Elden Ring’s sales and DLC success shaped studio resources?
Elden Ring’s market impact unlocked three major studio investments:
- Expanded Staffing – Hiring additional level designers, narrative leads, and technical artists.
- Engine Upgrades – Upgrading in-house tools for cross-platform optimization.
- R&D Funding – Allocating budget for prototype development of new genres.
What has Miyazaki said about expanding the Elden Ring IP versus new IPs?
Miyazaki acknowledges the possibility of Elden Ring spin-offs or sequels in the future but emphasizes that the studio’s current priority is original IP development. He suggests spiritual successors may arise but insists fresh properties deserve dedicated focus and resources.
How does the concept of “spiritual successors” relate to the new IP?
“Spiritual successors” share thematic DNA with past hits without direct narrative ties. FromSoftware’s new IP will likely embody the studio’s core strengths—intricate level design, cohesive world-building—while introducing novel gameplay paradigms, effectively balancing legacy and innovation.
How Does FromSoftware’s New IP Reflect Broader Gaming Industry Trends?
FromSoftware’s Shift in Development Strategy
FromSoftware’s move to develop new IPs reflects a broader trend among AAA studios to diversify their portfolios and mitigate risks associated with rising production costs and evolving player preferences. This strategic shift allows companies to explore different genres and distribution models to reach wider audiences.
This research supports the article’s claim that FromSoftware’s diversification aligns with industry-wide strategies to adapt to market changes.
What challenges do AAA studios face that influence IP diversification?
AAA developers contend with:
- Ballooning Budgets – Development costs escalated by advanced graphics and large teams.
- Shifting Tastes – Players embrace indie and service-based titles alongside AAA releases.
- Competitive Saturation – Market crowded with established franchises and live-service games.
How is cross-platform development relevant to FromSoftware’s new projects?
Cross-platform support extends reach and smooths resource allocation. By optimizing engines for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, FromSoftware maximizes potential sales and ensures consistent performance across hardware, a crucial consideration for ambitious new IPs.
What role does early access and player feedback play in modern game development?
Early access programs allow developers to refine mechanics and narrative pacing based on real-time community input. Embracing this model can accelerate polish cycles for new IPs, reduce launch-day issues, and foster stronger player engagement.
What Are the Most Common Questions About FromSoftware’s New Non-Soulsborne IP?
Below are direct answers to gamers’ top queries about the upcoming IP, optimized for clarity and snippet readiness.
What is FromSoftware’s next game after Elden Ring?
FromSoftware’s next major release is an original non-Soulsborne IP currently in early development under Hidetaka Miyazaki’s supervision, focusing on fresh genre mechanics and narrative tone rather than an Elden Ring sequel.
Is FromSoftware developing a new IP that is not Soulsborne?
Yes, Hidetaka Miyazaki has confirmed the studio is creating a new intellectual property that intentionally moves beyond their traditional Soulsborne-style framework.
What is the codename for FromSoftware’s unannounced project?
The unannounced multiplatform title under development is internally referred to as “FMC,” reportedly in advanced prototype stages for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Will Miyazaki direct the new IP or other directors lead?
While Miyazaki provides overarching creative direction, the new IP will be helmed by another director under his mentorship, reflecting a collaborative leadership approach.
Recommended Schema.org Markup for FromSoftware’s New IP Content
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Miyazaki’s announcement marks a transformative moment for FromSoftware and the action-RPG genre as a whole. This new IP promises to expand the studio’s creative horizons, leveraging Elden Ring’s success to fund innovation while remaining true to its design legacy. As development progresses on FMC and other titles, gamers can anticipate a blend of fresh mechanics, emotional storytelling, and technical excellence. Stay tuned for official updates and prepare for a bold new chapter in FromSoftware’s renowned game catalogue.