According to Reuters, one of the Chinese tech giants Tencent is planning to develop mobile adaption of Elden Ring. In 2022 FormSoftware rolled out of one their largest open world soulsbrone game known as Elden Ring. The studio is very famous for developing other titles like Dark Souls series and Bloodborne. The notoriously challenging and captivating game Elden Ring was able to climb the stairs of success and win the Game of the Year award.
The world of Elden Ring is brimming with immersive challenges, breathtaking views and mind boggling lore. Similar to other soulsborne games death is a teacher here not a defeat. Each defeat helps the gamer to hone their combat skills to their absolute best. The combat demands precision and perfect timing.
However, how much will it change for gamers if Elden Ring does come to mobile? While neither Tencent nor FromSoftware have officially confirmed these rumors, several sources claim the project is underway. This news certainly caused a hurricane in the community. It is hard to imagine a game like Elden Ring, where combat is refined on a small screen.
Adapting the Difficulty
The most defining features of the Elden Ring are its complex combat system and demanding gameplay. This means a touch-based interface on mobile devices presents great difficulty. Although some controllers connect with your phone, the challenges are still there. Imagine dodging Malenia’s flurry of scarlet rot or parrying Godfrey’s golden axe strike on a small screen. Of course, it is not impossible, but it seems mind-boggling to think about right now.
Adapting to Pocket-Sized Visuals
Elden Ring’s beauty lies in its vast landscapes, architecture, and meticulously crafted enemy designs. Can we imagine the spectral Erdtree looming majestically on a five-inch screen, or will it be reduced to a pixelated silhouette?
Scaling down the visuals to run smoothly on mobile devices without sacrificing immersion and atmosphere will be monumental for Tencent. Moreover, there is a performance issue with the game’s demanding visuals, even pushing high-end PCs to their limits.
Monetization Model
The reports hint at a free-to-play model with in-app purchases, similar to Genshin Impact. This approach can make the game accessible to a wider audience. However, concerns regarding potential pay-to-win mechanics and intrusive monetization practices are inevitable. Balancing accessibility with fair gameplay is essential for earning player trust.
Authenticity and Appeal
At the end of the day, the question is, can a mobile version truly capture the essence of Elden Ring? The vast open world, convoluted level design, and deep lore may require significant scaling down to fit the mobile format. Striking a balance between preserving the core experience and adapting it for a new platform will be key to attracting existing fans and newcomers.
Final Thoughts
Tencent is one of the biggest gaming publishers. However, during the annual meeting in Shenzhen, the CEO and Co-founder Pony Ma said that:
“Gaming is our flagship business…But in the past year, we have faced significant challenges. We have found ourselves at a loss, as our competitors continue to produce new products, leaving us feeling having achieved nothing.”
Hence, Tencent is looking for a new lucky charm to be their latest hit. Moreover, its cancellation of the NieR mobile title back in December was also a setback for them.
Tencent’s rumored adaptation walks a tightrope between innovation and compromise. Can they conquer the limitations of mobile gaming and preserve the essence of what made Elden Ring a masterpiece? Only time can tell now. Meanwhile, we are all excitedly waiting for FromSoftware to roll out the DLC for Elden Ring.
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