Summary
Based on a recent trademark filing change,Elden Ringis now wholly owned by FromSoftware instead of being shared with Bandai Namco Entertainment.Elden Ringoriginally launched in 2022, becoming the best-selling and one of the highest-rated games that FromSoftware ever developed. Not only was the game a huge successor toDark Souls, but the shift to an open-world setting helped build upon what was previously featured in the franchise and elevate FromSoftware’s pedigree.
Thesuccess ofElden Ringsaw it accruing multiple Game of 2022 awards, much to director Hidetaka Miyazaki’s surprise. About a year afterElden Ring’s release, FromSoftware confirmed it was working on a post-game DLC known as Shadow of the Erdtree, though no release date has been given for this content. One bit of surprising news regarding the IP is regarding the trademark holders, asElden Ringis now wholly owned by FromSoftware.
ThisElden Ringtrademark filingwas updated earlier this week at the United States Trademark and Patent Office, where it lists FromSoftware as the sole owner, as opposed to FromSoftware and Bandai Namco previously. Ever since the release of2011’sDark Souls, Bandai Namco Entertainment and the Kadokawa Conglomerate have been helping fund and publish FromSoftware’s titles, includingElden Ring. According to this filing, the change in ownership of theElden RingIP happened sometime back in April 2023. FromSoftware has yet to comment on this change.
How Did FromSoftware Become the Owner of Elden Ring?
This change was likely due to investments in FromSoftware by Sony and Tencent, bringing them to a 30% stake, along with how FromSoftware expanded its operations followingElden Ring’s success. For reference, FromSoftware’sDark Soulsseries is owned by Bandai Namco, whileDemon’s SoulsandBloodborneare owned by Sony.Elden Ringis now the second IP solely owned by FromSoftware, followed bySekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
With FromSoftware being the sole proprietor of theElden RingIP, this puts recent rumors regardingTencent’s mobile version ofElden Ringin a new light. The mobile version ofElden Ringwill supposedly be inspired by HoYoverse’sGenshin Impact, which has multiple characters who can be summoned via a free-to-play gacha system. The big concern from fans regarding this rumor would be how Tencent would translate the expansive open world ofElden Ringinto a gacha game that is meant to be played for a long time. That being said, this is still a rumor, so fans should take this news with a grain of salt until Tencent or FromSoftware gives a more official statement about it.
Elden Ring
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ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
