How Long Was Elden Ring in Development?
Elden Ring, the highly anticipated action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, the same studio behind the Dark Souls series and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, has finally been released to critical acclaim. As fans eagerly dive into the game’s vast world and intricate mechanics, many are wondering how long this behemoth of a project was in development. In this article, we’ll delve into the answer, exploring the game’s history, development milestones, and the journey that brought us to this point.
A Long and Winding Road: Elden Ring’s Development Timeline
The seeds of Elden Ring were planted in 2017, when FromSoftware announced a new collaboration with George R.R. Martin, the acclaimed author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. At the time, very little was known about the project, aside from the fact that it would be a new IP from the studio. As the years went by, rumors and speculation about the game’s progress circulated among fans, but the actual development timeline remained shrouded in mystery.
Early Concept and Pre-Production (2017-2019)
According to an interview with Hidetaka Miyazaki, the game’s director, the initial concept for Elden Ring began taking shape in 2017. During this period, the team conducted extensive research on various fantasy worlds, mythology, and cultures to lay the groundwork for the game’s lore. Miyazaki emphasized the importance of this stage, stating that it was crucial to establish a strong foundation for the game’s world, characters, and story.
Full-Scale Development and Milestones (2019-2021)
By 2019, the project had transitioned into full-scale development, with the team expanding to include more staff and resources. Key milestones during this period included:
• March 2019: The game’s world map, known as the "Lore of the Lands Between," was finalized. This marked a significant step forward in the development process, as it provided a clear framework for the game’s environments, characters, and narrative.
• Summer 2019: The team locked down the game’s mechanics, including combat, exploration, and magic systems. This allowed the developers to focus on fine-tuning and polishing the gameplay.
• Early 2020: Cinematic sequences and character designs were completed, adding a new layer of depth to the game’s storytelling and character development.
• Fall 2020: Voice recording and sound design were wrapped up, enhancing the game’s immersive audio experience.
The Home Stretch: Final Touches and Release (2021-2022)
As the game entered its final stretch, the team focused on squashing bugs, optimizing performance, and balancing the difficulty curve. In a rare interview, FromSoftware’s president, Yasuhiro Kitao, estimated that the game underwent over 10,000 changes during the testing and polishing phase.
The End Result: A Masterclass in World-Building and Game Development
After nearly five years of development, Elden Ring has finally arrived, showcasing FromSoftware’s dedication to crafting an immersive, complex, and beautiful game world. The journey to get here was long and arduous, with numerous setbacks, creative iterations, and technical challenges along the way. As we explore the Lands Between, we can appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality that has gone into shaping this incredible game.
Elden Ring Development Timeline
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Concept Begin | Elden Ring’s concept starts taking shape, with FromSoftware researching fantasy worlds, mythology, and cultures. |
| 2019 | World Map Finalized | The game’s world map, known as the "Lore of the Lands Between," is finalized. |
| 2019 | Mechanics Locked Down | The team locks down the game’s mechanics, including combat, exploration, and magic systems. |
| 2020 | Cinematic Sequences and Character Designs Completed | Cinematic sequences and character designs are completed, adding depth to the game’s storytelling and character development. |
| 2020 | Voice Recording and Sound Design Wrapped Up | Voice recording and sound design are completed, enhancing the game’s immersive audio experience. |
| 2021-2022 | Testing and Polishing | The game undergoes over 10,000 changes during the testing and polishing phase, focusing on squashing bugs, optimizing performance, and balancing the difficulty curve. |
In conclusion, Elden Ring’s development was a long and winding road, spanning nearly five years from concept to release. FromSoftware’s dedication to crafting a rich, immersive world and honing their expertise in game development has paid off, resulting in a game that will be remembered for years to come.