Gaming giant Tencent is reportedly working on bringing the acclaimed action RPG Elden Ring to mobile devices, according to sources familiar with the matter. This potential adaptation would mark a significant departure from the original console experience, which was designed as a premium single-purchase title.
According to a report from Reuters, Tencent acquired the licensing rights for Elden Ring from developer FromSoftware in 2022. The company reportedly assembled a team to work on a mobile prototype, aiming to capitalize on the game’s immense popularity. With over 20 million copies sold in its first year, Elden Ring was one of the best-selling games of 2022.
However, development seems to be facing challenges. Sources indicate that adapting the complex gameplay and world of Elden Ring to mobile presents difficulties. Additionally, Tencent reportedly wants to implement a free-to-play model with in-app purchases, which differs significantly from the original game’s one-time purchase structure. It sounds like the game is going for the regular service that mobile is known for.
Tencent has experience with mobile adaptations of popular console games, but not without hurdles. They previously shut down a mobile project based on the Nier franchise due to monetization issues. The mobile market is maturing, so finding new hits is becoming increasingly difficult. Tencent’s recent game releases have underperformed, and the chairman even acknowledged the gaming business facing threats.
While the mobile Elden Ring is still in the early stages of development, it really is a huge deal when it comes to Tencent’s efforts to secure successful game IPs and adapt them to the growing mobile market. We may see more big IPs move to mobile if Tencent succeeds, but if they fail, it may cast doubt on the market.
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