Whispers from the digital realm suggest that From Software, the esteemed Japanese developer behind some of the most challenging and beloved games of our time, is poised to unleash another masterpiece sooner than many anticipated. A new multiplatform title, currently shrouded in secrecy, is reportedly in advanced stages of production, with a potential release window as early as 2026.
The Clandestine Codename: FMC
The latest intelligence originates from a report by MP1st, which claims to have uncovered the internal codename for this unannounced project: FMC. For ardent followers of From Software`s work, a codename is far more than a simple placeholder; it`s a tantalizing breadcrumb, a cryptic clue in the grand scavenger hunt of game development. The studio has a history of using specific letters in their internal monikers that hint at the game`s lineage.
For instance, previous entries in the legendary Dark Souls series, along with the recent mech-action triumph Armored Core 6, shared a common thread: the letter `F`. Conversely, the colossal open-world epic Elden Ring was internally known as “GR,” and its recent multiplayer spin-off, Elden Ring: Nightreign, carried the codename “CL.” It’s almost as if they enjoy watching us, the collective gaming community, engage in elaborate theoretical acrobatics over a single letter. Such is the unique appeal of From Software`s mystique.
What It Is Not (And Why That Matters)
While the codename “FMC” might seem minimal, it offers crucial insights into what this new project is not. The report indicates that it is unlikely to be downloadable content (DLC) for an existing From Software title, as the developer typically retains the base game`s codename for its expansions. This means we can likely rule out further content for Elden Ring beyond its already massive Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.
Furthermore, given its multiplatform nature, “FMC” is not believed to be The Duskbloods. Announced recently as a multiplayer-focused exclusive for Nintendo Switch 2, The Duskbloods operates under a different internal codename and caters to a specific platform. This distinction is vital for managing expectations, preventing the inevitable internet debates about whether From Software has “abandoned” its core audience for a Nintendo cash grab – a notion that would surely be premature and, frankly, rather dramatic.
The Contenders: Souls, Mechs, or a Resurgent Classic?
With DLC and Switch exclusivity off the table, the speculation naturally narrows. The pervasive `F` in “FMC” points fingers directly at two of From Software`s most iconic franchises: Dark Souls and Armored Core. Could it be a long-awaited Dark Souls 4, pushing the boundaries of the action RPG genre once more? Or perhaps another installment in the resurrected Armored Core series, building on the critical and commercial success of its latest iteration?
However, the report also throws a fascinating curveball: a potential remake or remaster of Dark Souls 3. While some might scoff at the idea of revisiting a relatively recent title, a modern overhaul with the graphical fidelity and technical polish of, say, Elden Ring, could be a compelling prospect. Imagine Lothric Castle in crisp 4K, with ray-traced embers dancing through the desolate halls. A grim thought, perhaps, but certainly a visually stunning one. The prospect of experiencing the final chapter of the original Souls trilogy with contemporary enhancements is enough to make many a veteran adventurer nod in silent approval.
A Studio in Perpetual Motion
From Software has maintained an impressive pace of releases. After delivering Armored Core 6 in 2023, they followed up with the critically acclaimed Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion last year, and then surprised fans with the standalone multiplayer title Elden Ring: Nightreign in May. The announcement of The Duskbloods for Nintendo Switch 2 in April further solidified their robust development pipeline. It`s a testament to their dedication, or perhaps their caffeine intake, that they manage such output while consistently delivering quality.
Miyazaki`s Reassurance: Single-Player Not Forgotten
Concerns have occasionally surfaced among fans regarding From Software`s recent forays into multiplayer-focused titles, wondering if their signature single-player experiences might be sidelined. However, Hidetaka Miyazaki, the revered boss of From Software and director of The Duskbloods, has consistently provided reassurance. He has stated unequivocally that the studio is not abandoning its roots and will continue to craft games that “embrace our more traditional style.” This commitment is a soothing balm for those who crave the solitary, often brutal, journey of a Miyazaki game, where every boss is a personal struggle and every victory a hard-won triumph.
The news of a new, potentially fast-approaching From Software game is undoubtedly an exciting development for the gaming world. Whether it`s a new entry in a beloved series, a modern reimagining, or something entirely unforeseen lurking beneath the codename “FMC,” the anticipation is palpable. As always, we await official confirmation from the masters of existential dread themselves. Until then, the speculation continues, and the bonfire of curiosity burns bright.
