Fans of FromSoftware have long anticipated any new information they could get for the developer’s next dark RPG title,Elden Ring. When anincredible trailer was revealed forElden Ringat the Summer Game Fest this past week, fans went wild. Following the trailer reveal,the extent of George R. R. Martin’s influence onElden Ringhas been revealed in a Famitsu interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki. Since the interview has not been officially translated into English, some direct quotes may be a little off.
With more information and gameplay footage released forElden Ring, including an early 2022 release date, FromSoftware is more ready to talk about the game. Players experience the story of the Tarnished as they attempt to claim the Elden Ring and eventually become the Elden Lord. Of course, in typical FromSoftware fashion this involves facing despicable monsters and tearing down huge bosses throughout the Lands Between, where the game takes place.
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Part of Famitsu’sElden Ringinterview with Miyazakifocused on Martin’s involvement with the game, and some of it was information that was already hinted at. Martin developed the world myths and background story that set up the game. Since FromSoftware didn’t want the core gameplay experience to follow a singular narrative, and since it didn’t want to stifle Martin’s vision, it let him develop the history of the world.
Elden Ringhas already confirmed some major story detailsthat came from Martin, too. Long ago, peace was the norm throughout the world with the help of the Golden Order and titular Elden Ring. Unfortunately, at some point the Elden Ring was shattered, which led to a great war as different demigods fought to possess the shards of the Ring, but they would then become corrupted by the shards' influence. Martin also created the idea of the Tarnished, or people banished from the Lands Between. Miyazaki says that Martin’sGame of Thronesexperience here is clear, as the worldbuilding involves lots of complex family dynamics and epic history.
Martin also helped solidify some gameplay elements as well, such as horseback riding and mounted combat. While an open world was being considered forElden Ringbefore Martin’s entrance, Miyazaki revealed that “his participation was a powerful boost to the concrete progress of it.” Everyone involved wanted to help takeElden Ringout of itsDark SoulsandBloodborneroots, while still being a FromSoftware game. On Martin’s worldbuilding, Miyazaki also said, “It was both a myth, a history, or an epic one, that would inspire us to do more than ever before.”
At leastboth accurate and inaccurate leaks forElden Ringcan finally be put to rest, as it seems FromSoftware is now going full steam ahead with the game. Players can expect more information in the months before the game’s release, even if the developers want to keep the information light.
Elden Ringwill launch on Jun 14, 2025 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
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