E3 2019: Elden Ring Is Open World, Tough, And Focuses More On RPG Elements Than Sekiro

One of the biggest E3 2019 announcements thus far has been Elden Ring, a new role-playing game from Dark Souls developer From Software and A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin. The title may have been leaked before E3, but the first trailer was shown properly at Microsoft's briefing. Now, game director Hidetaka Miyazaki has shared more insight on the project, which--despite appearing at the Xbox conference--is coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It's also coming to Xbox Series X|S and PS4, and we have the Elden Ring release date set for January 21, 2022.

In an interview published on the Xbox Wire, Miyazaki confirmed a number of interesting details about Elden Ring, beginning with the fact that development began just after From Software finished developing Dark Souls III's DLC. At the time, From Software envisioned Elden Ring as a "more classic fantasy title."

As development progressed, the title became a "dark fantasy action RPG" featuring various elements that From Software was not able to achieve with the Dark Souls franchise--and you can clearly see the influence of Dark Souls.

Unlike Sekiro, which was developed at the same time as Elden Ring, the new game is focused more on its RPG elements than action. That being said, Elden Ring will still have "responsive melee-based combat," Miyazaki said.

The game director added that he expects Elden Ring to be a challenging title like From Software's previous games. "The importance we place on the joy the player experiences through overcoming challenges will be the same as it is in our other titles. I believe it will prove to be a very satisfying experience," Miyazaki said.

E3 2019 Conference Schedule

• Monday, June 10, 10 AM PT -- PC Gaming Show
• Monday, June 10, 12 PM PT -- Limited Run Games Press Conference
• Monday, June 10, 1 PM PT -- Ubisoft Press Conference
• Monday, June 10, 4:30 PM PT -- Kinda Funny Showcase
• Monday, June 10, 6 PM PT -- Square Enix Press Conference
• Tuesday, June 11, 9 AM PT -- Nintendo Direct Showcase

Elden Ring will have "a wide variety of weapons, magic, and ways to engage enemies," Miyazaki said, and this should allow people to play however they wish.

"Even when compared to the Dark Souls series, I believe this title will provide even more variety in the ways for players to overcome challenges and tweak their tactics when facing enemies," Miyazaki said.

One of the biggest differences between Elden Ring and From Software's previous games is its open-world nature, according to Miyazaki. "I would have to say the biggest difference is it being open world," he said. "Due to this, the scale of the world and its narrative, as well as the depth and freedom of exploration have increased dramatically. It is without a doubt our biggest title yet in terms of sheer volume."

Miyazaki said the term "open world" isn't so easily defined. What he personally means by open world is that it is a game with a "large, open field to play in."

It is a world full of danger and threats, as well as many areas ripe for exploration. Among those areas, you will also find intricately designed, multi-layered castles and such," Miyazaki explained.

Here are some other takeaways from the interview:

• Elden Ring will have character customization elements
• Miyazaki is a "huge fan" of Martin's works; he personally recommends Martin's Fevre Dream" to new From Software employees.
• Miyazaki expected Martin to say no to collaborating on Elden Ring.
• Boss fights will factor into Elden Ring; they will be varied in nature, while the actual bosses you fight will be "horrifying," according to Miyazaki.

No release date has been announced for Elden Ring as of yet. It is published by Bandai Namco, and though it was announced at the Xbox briefing, it isn't necessarily an exclusive to Microsoft's console.

Read next: E3 2019: Elden Ring Sure Seems To Share A Lot In Common With Dark Souls

More E3 news:

• New Xbox console, Scarlett, revealed
• Xbox Scarlett details: 8K, 120 FPS, SSD
• Elden Ring is From Software and George RR Martin's new game
• Cyberpunk 2077 release date announced
• Final Fantasy VII Remake announced