Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action role-playing game (RPG) that took the gaming world by storm in 2022, might be coming to mobile devices. This news has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans of the game and mobile gamers alike. In this article, we’ll explore the current information available about a potential Elden Ring mobile game and what it could mean for players.
The Original Elden Ring: A Quick Recap
Before we dive into the mobile version, let’s quickly recap what made the original Elden Ring so special:
- Creator: Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, with worldbuilding by George R.R. Martin (author of Game of Thrones)
- Release: Launched in 2022 for PC and consoles
- Awards: Won numerous Game of the Year awards
- Genre: Action RPG with a challenging “souls-like” gameplay style
- Setting: A vast open world called the Lands Between
- Story: Players control a Tarnished, seeking to restore the shattered Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord
Rumors of a Mobile Version
Recent reports suggest that a mobile adaptation of Elden Ring might be in development. Here’s what we’ve learned so far:
Tencent’s Involvement
- Developer: Tencent, the world’s largest gaming company by revenue, is reportedly working on the mobile version
- Licensing: Tencent acquired the licensing rights for Elden Ring in 2022
- Investment: The company also bought a 16% stake in FromSoftware (Elden Ring’s original developer) in 2022
Development Status
- Team Size: A small team of a few dozen people has been assigned to the project
- Progress: Sources say that work on a prototype began in 2022, but progress has been slow
- Current Stage: The game is still in early development, with no official announcement made
Potential Changes for Mobile
If Elden Ring does come to mobile devices, it’s likely to undergo some significant changes to adapt to the platform and mobile gaming market:
1. Free-to-Play Model
The original Elden Ring is a premium game with a one-time purchase price of $60. Tencent reportedly wants to make the mobile version free-to-play with in-app purchases. This model is similar to other successful mobile games like Genshin Impact.
2. Gameplay Adaptations
The complex combat system of Elden Ring would need to be simplified for touch controls. The vast open world might be broken into smaller, more manageable areas for mobile play. Loading times and graphics would likely be optimized for mobile devices.
3. Multiplayer Focus
The mobile version might emphasize multiplayer elements more heavily. Features like co-op play, PvP battles, and social interactions could be expanded.
4. Regular Updates
To keep players engaged, the mobile version would likely receive frequent updates. New content, events, and characters could be added regularly.
Challenges in Adapting Elden Ring for Mobile
Creating a mobile version of Elden Ring isn’t without its challenges. Here are some of the obstacles Tencent might face:
1. Preserving the Core Experience
Elden Ring is known for its challenging gameplay and intricate world design. Translating these elements to mobile without losing their essence will be difficult.
2. Balancing Monetization
The shift to a free-to-play model with in-app purchases could alter the game’s balance. Tencent will need to find a way to monetize the game without making it “pay-to-win”.
3. Technical Limitations
Mobile devices have less processing power than consoles or gaming PCs. Delivering the same level of visual quality and performance will be challenging.
4. Fan Expectations
Elden Ring has a dedicated fan base with high expectations. Any significant changes to the game’s formula could face backlash.
Potential Benefits of a Mobile Elden Ring
Despite the challenges, bringing Elden Ring to mobile could have several advantages:
1. Wider Audience
Mobile gaming is hugely popular, especially in Asia. A mobile version could introduce Elden Ring to millions of new players.
2. Accessibility
Players could enjoy Elden Ring on the go, without needing a console or gaming PC. This could make the game more accessible to casual gamers.
3. New Revenue Streams
A free-to-play mobile version could generate significant ongoing revenue. This could fund future developments in the Elden Ring franchise.
4. Cross-Platform Possibilities
A mobile version could potentially offer cross-play or cross-progression with other platforms. This could create a more connected Elden Ring community.
Comparisons to Other Mobile Adaptations
To understand what an Elden Ring mobile game might look like, it’s helpful to look at other successful mobile adaptations of console games:
1. Genshin Impact
While not a direct adaptation, Genshin Impact shows how a complex, open-world RPG can work on mobile. Its gacha system and regular updates keep players engaged and spending.
2. PUBG Mobile
Tencent successfully adapted PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS for mobile devices. The game maintains the core battle royale experience while optimizing for mobile play.
3. Call of Duty: Mobile
Another Tencent-developed game that successfully brings a popular franchise to mobile. It combines elements from various Call of Duty games into a mobile-friendly package.
The Mobile Gaming Market
Understanding the current mobile gaming landscape helps explain why Tencent might be interested in bringing Elden Ring to smartphones:
- Market Size: The mobile gaming market is enormous, with billions of players worldwide
- Revenue: Mobile games generate more revenue than console and PC games combined
- Growth: The mobile gaming sector continues to grow, especially in emerging markets
- Competition: Companies like miHoYo (developers of Genshin Impact) have shown that complex RPGs can succeed on mobile
Tencent’s Track Record
Tencent’s involvement in the project is significant. Here’s why:
- Experience: Tencent has a long history of developing and publishing successful mobile games
- Resources: As one of the world’s largest tech companies, Tencent has the resources to tackle a project of this scale
- Partnerships: Tencent has worked with many major gaming companies, including Nintendo and Riot Games
- Challenges: However, the company has faced issues adapting some console games for mobile in the past
What This Means for Players
If Elden Ring does come to mobile, what can players expect?
Potential Pros:
- Accessibility: Play Elden Ring anywhere, anytime
- Free Entry: Try the game without an upfront cost
- Regular Updates: Potentially more frequent content additions
- Social Features: Expanded multiplayer and community elements
Potential Cons:
- Simplified Gameplay: Combat and exploration might be less complex
- Microtransactions: The free-to-play model could introduce pay-to-win elements
- Graphics: Visual quality may be reduced compared to console/PC versions
- Controls: Touch controls might not offer the same precision as a controller
Official Statements and Timeline
As of now, there have been no official announcements regarding an Elden Ring mobile game. The information we have comes from anonymous sources and industry reports. It’s important to keep in mind:
- No Confirmation: Neither Tencent, FromSoftware, nor Bandai Namco (Elden Ring’s publisher) have confirmed the mobile game’s existence
- Early Stages: If the reports are accurate, the game is still in early development
- Potential Cancellation: Many games in early development never see the light of day
- Release Date: If the game is real and development continues, it could still be years away from release
What’s Next?
While the idea of an Elden Ring mobile game is exciting, it’s important for fans to temper their expectations. Here’s what to watch for in the coming months:
- Official Announcements: Keep an eye out for any statements from Tencent, FromSoftware, or Bandai Namco
- Industry Events: Gaming conferences and events might reveal more information
- Job Listings: Tencent job postings could hint at the project’s progress
- Leaks: As with many game projects, leaks might provide more details before official announcements
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elden Ring coming to mobile?
According to reports, Tencent is developing a mobile version of Elden Ring. The project is still in early development with no official announcement made yet.
Who is developing the Elden Ring mobile game?
Tencent, the world’s largest gaming company by revenue, is reportedly working on the mobile version after acquiring licensing rights for Elden Ring in 2022.
Will Elden Ring mobile be free-to-play?
While the original Elden Ring is a premium game with a one-time purchase price of $60, Tencent reportedly wants to make the mobile version free-to-play with in-app purchases, similar to other successful mobile games like Genshin Impact.
How will Elden Ring’s gameplay change for mobile?
The complex combat system would likely be simplified for touch controls, the vast open world might be broken into smaller areas, graphics would be optimized for mobile devices, and there might be a greater emphasis on multiplayer elements.
When will Elden Ring mobile be released?
There is no official release date as the game is reportedly still in early development. If reports are accurate and development continues, it could still be years away from release.
Conclusion
The possibility of Elden Ring coming to mobile devices is an intriguing prospect that could bring this beloved game to a whole new audience. While the challenges of adapting such a complex and beloved title for smartphones are significant, Tencent’s experience and resources make it a possibility worth considering.
However, it’s crucial to remember that at this stage, the mobile version of Elden Ring remains unconfirmed. The gaming industry is full of projects that never materialize, and even if development is underway, the final product could be very different from what we might expect.
For now, fans of Elden Ring should enjoy the existing game on its current platforms and keep an open mind about the potential for a mobile adaptation. Whether or not Elden Ring makes its way to our smartphones, its impact on the gaming