Based on a recent trademark filing change, Elden Ring is now wholly owned by FromSoftware instead of being shared with Bandai Namco Entertainment. Elden Ring originally launched in 2022, becoming the best-selling and one of the highest-rated games that FromSoftware ever developed. Not only was the game a huge successor to Dark Souls, but the shift to an open-world setting helped build upon what was previously featured in the franchise and elevate FromSoftware's pedigree.

The success of Elden Ring saw it accruing multiple Game of 2022 awards, much to director Hidetaka Miyazaki's surprise. About a year after Elden Ring's release, FromSoftware confirmed it was working on a post-game DLC known as Shadow of the Erdtree, though no release date has been given for this content. One bit of surprising news regarding the IP is regarding the trademark holders, as Elden Ring is now wholly owned by FromSoftware.

This Elden Ring trademark filing was updated earlier this week at the United States Trademark and Patent Office, where it lists FromSoftware as the sole owner, as opposed to FromSoftware and Bandai Namco previously. Ever since the release of 2011's Dark Souls, Bandai Namco Entertainment and the Kadokawa Conglomerate have been helping fund and publish FromSoftware's titles, including Elden Ring. According to this filing, the change in ownership of the Elden Ring IP happened sometime back in April 2023. FromSoftware has yet to comment on this change.

This change was likely due to investments in FromSoftware by Sony and Tencent, bringing them to a 30% stake, along with how FromSoftware expanded its operations following Elden Ring's success. For reference, FromSoftware's Dark Souls series is owned by Bandai Namco, while Demon's Souls and Bloodborne are owned by Sony. Elden Ring is now the second IP solely owned by FromSoftware, followed by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

With FromSoftware being the sole proprietor of the Elden Ring IP, this puts recent rumors regarding Tencent's mobile version of Elden Ring in a new light. The mobile version of Elden Ring will supposedly be inspired by HoYoverse's Genshin Impact, which has multiple characters who can be summoned via a free-to-play gacha system. The big concern from fans regarding this rumor would be how Tencent would translate the expansive open world of Elden Ring into a gacha game that is meant to be played for a long time. That being said, this is still a rumor, so fans should take this news with a grain of salt until Tencent or FromSoftware gives a more official statement about it.

Posted: Feb 20, 2024 9:34 pm
Related Forum: Gaming Discussion

Source: https://gamerant.com/fromsoftware-elden-ring-ip-owner/