Lecture Notes: Elden Ring as a Wake-Up Call to the Gaming Industry

Introduction

• Main Thesis: Elden Ring exemplifies what games should strive to be—a high-quality title that meets player expectations, delivered for under $70.
• Key Point: Elden Ring has set a new standard in the gaming industry.
• Additional Note: This is not about game difficulty.

Elden Ring's Achievements

• DLC Success: 'Shadow of the Ury' expansion saw over 780,000 peak concurrent players (80% retention from the game’s initial release).
• Sales and Popularity: Over 5 million new players entered the DLC realm; significant in all platforms’ top sellers list.
• Player Challenge: Only 40% of players have defeated Moog, gaining entrance into the DLC.
• Sales Success: Both Elden Ring and its DLC claim top spots in sales metrics.

Industry Critique

• Developer Reactions: Notable backlash from developers at Ubisoft, Guerrilla Games, and others criticizing Elden Ring’s UI and design.
• Comparison with Baldur’s Gate 3:
  • Industry perceptions that it sets unrealistic standards.
  • Comments from other developers showcase an unwillingness to adapt.

Key Arguments

• Humility, Talent, and Vision: Essential to emulate the success of FromSoftware and Miyazaki.
• Historical Insight: The decline in the industry's quality and original vision is evident from the resistant attitudes towards successful games.

Miyazaki’s Views on Game Design

• Faith in Players: FromSoftware games trust players to persevere and seek help.
• Leadership and Experience:
  • Miyazaki’s hands-on approach ensures quality.
  • Perspective of playing as a player, not just as a developer.

Elements of Quality Gameplay

• Respawn Points: Stakes of America reduce frustration.
• Lack of Microtransactions: Demonstrates respect for players; focuses on quality of gameplay.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Often come from developers extensively playing their games.

Broader Industry Implications

• Current Issues:
  • High-budget games without corresponding sales.
  • Unrealistic scaling and expectations from games.
  • Disconnect from player expectations.

Elden Ring’s Impact on FromSoftware

• Unique Approach: Balance between large projects and smaller ventures.
• Limit Acknowledgement: Awareness of boundaries and resources.
• Future Strategy: Focus on multiple projects to foster new talent.

Contrasting Examples

• Other AAA Titles: Risks associated with single large projects (e.g., Dragon Age, Spider-Man 2).
• Success Through Moderation: FromSoftware’s focus on sustainable growth as a model.

Conclusion

• Identity in Games: Importance of a strong, unique identity and respect for core audience.
• Industry Reflection: Need for humility, vision, and player-focused design in future games.
• Miyazaki’s Closing Thoughts: End of Elden Ring’s current chapter, potential interest in new mediums (e.g., movies).