The Success and Influence of FromSoftware

Since 2011, the studio FromSoftware has established itself as the master of the demanding action-RPG genre with its critically acclaimed Dark Souls series. This success has led to the creation of a new genre, known as “Souls-like”, which has continued to captivate gamers worldwide.

FromSoftware has consistently showcased their expertise in the genre through the release of two sequels to Dark Souls, as well as other notable titles such as Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Elden Ring. The latest addition to their repertoire, Elden Ring, marks a significant milestone for the studio as it embraces the open-world concept for the first time.

Elden Ring has been widely acclaimed by both critics and players alike, earning an impressive 96 on Metacritic. Within just one year since its release in February 2023, it has sold an astonishing 20 million units worldwide. To put this achievement into perspective, the Dark Souls series has sold a total of 33 million copies outside of Japan between September 2011 and March 2022.

The Rise of Armored Core 6: FromSoftware’s New Ambition

The success of Elden Ring has paved the way for another highly anticipated game from FromSoftware, Armored Core 6. This new installment is part of a franchise that has been dormant for a decade, and it is set to be released on August 25, 2023, for both PC and consoles.

Arnaud Muller, the CEO of Bandai Namco Europe, believes that Elden Ring’s triumph has created a favorable environment for Armored Core 6 to launch on a much larger scale. Muller attributes this potential success to FromSoftware’s reputation as a guarantee of quality and the studio’s accumulated experience in recent years, which has given a new dimension to Armored Core.

“We have an exceptional game on our hands,” states Muller. “The combat system remains faithful to what fans of FromSoftware are accustomed to.”

Expanding the Reach of Armored Core

With the immense popularity of FromSoftware games, Muller sees an opportunity to expand the audience of Armored Core games. He acknowledges that the expectations for Armored Core 6 are significantly higher than those for previous installments of the franchise. However, Muller is careful not to compare it directly to Elden Ring.

“It’s a significant step forward for the franchise,” summarizes Muller, emphasizing the potential of Armored Core 6. Critics and players seem to agree, as the game currently holds an impressive 87/100 on Metacritic and a commendable 17/20 on . The gameplay is particularly highlighted for its seamless performance and intense pace.

Armored Core 6 takes players into the chaotic world of Rubicon, a planet ravaged by never-ending warfare. As a player, you take control of a powerful mech and embark on missions in this war-torn landscape.