How Long Did Elden Ring Take to Make?
Elden Ring, the highly anticipated action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, has finally arrived after years of anticipation. But how long did it take to make? In this article, we’ll dive into the development timeline of Elden Ring and explore the factors that contributed to its prolonged development process.
The Beginning of the Journey
Elden Ring was first announced in June 2019, with a reveal trailer that showcased the game’s stunning visuals and dark fantasy setting. At the time, the game was in its early stages of development, with a small team working on the project. The initial development period was estimated to be around 12-18 months, according to an interview with FromSoftware’s director, Hidetaka Miyazaki.
Concept and Planning
Before the official announcement, the team spent approximately 2-3 years conceptualizing and planning the game. This period was crucial in shaping the game’s narrative, world, and mechanics. Miyazaki has stated that the team wanted to create a game that would "redefine the action RPG genre", and this planning phase was essential in laying the groundwork for that vision.
Development Timeline
Here’s a breakdown of the game’s development timeline:
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Concept and Planning | 2-3 years |
| Initial Development | 12-18 months |
| Main Development | 3-4 years |
| Polishing and Bug Fixing | 1-2 years |
| Total | 6-8 years |
Main Development
After the initial development phase, the team began working on the main game content. This period was marked by intensive gameplay development, where the team focused on creating a vast open world, complex enemies, and challenging boss battles. Miyazaki has stated that the team aimed to create a game with a "dense" world, packed with secrets and hidden areas.
Polishing and Bug Fixing
Once the main game content was complete, the team shifted their focus to polishing and bug fixing. This phase was crucial in ensuring the game’s quality and stability, and the team worked tirelessly to squash bugs and optimize the game for various platforms.
Challenges and Setbacks
Throughout the development process, the team faced numerous challenges and setbacks. Miyazaki has mentioned that the team encountered difficulties in creating a game that met their high standards, and that they had to overcome numerous obstacles to deliver a polished product.
Conclusion
Elden Ring took around 6-8 years to develop, from concept to release. The game’s prolonged development process was due to the team’s commitment to creating a game that would exceed player expectations. FromSoftware’s dedication to quality and attention to detail has paid off, as Elden Ring has received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success.
Key Takeaways
- Elden Ring took around 6-8 years to develop, from concept to release.
- The initial development period was estimated to be around 12-18 months.
- The team spent approximately 2-3 years conceptualizing and planning the game.
- The main development phase lasted around 3-4 years.
- Polishing and bug fixing took around 1-2 years.
- The team faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout the development process.