Elden Ring Nightreignis an interesting game for a number of reasons, some of them expected, and others less so. For example, the strength ofElden Ring Nightreign’s combat shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with FromSoftware’s ouevre, but its mixed review scores are certainly unexpected. Along similar lines, it’s not a surprise thatDark Soulscontent made its way intoNightreign, as this was well-established ahead of the latter’s release, but the lack of other FromSoftware properties, likeBloodborne, might confuse some players.
But there’s a fairly reasonable explanation for the lack of explicitBloodbornecontent inElden Ring Nightreign. Though FromSoftware developedBloodbornefrom start to finish, the rights to the property are still owned by Sony, an entity that is unlikely to agree to its IP being used in a game that it isn’t directly profiting from. Moreover, with noBloodborne 2on the horizon, it might not make sense for Sony to give the green light for references, whether that be in the form of cosmetics, boss battles, or miscellaneous homage; there’s no marketing value inBloodbornecrossover content at this stage, so the most strategic move could be to hold on tight to theBloodbornelicense for better leverage down the road. But whatever the case,Bloodbornedefinitely isn’t featured inNightreignnow, though this doesn’t have to be the case for all FromSoftware projects.
Bloodborne Might Be Barred from Entering Nightreign, but Sekiro Isn’t
FromSoftware Owns the Rights to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Although Sony might be the controlling entity ofBloodborne, that’s not the case for most of FromSoftware’s biggest properties. In fact, the famous developer often works to retain complete or majority ownership of its IP, withElden Ringbeing a prime example of this: althoughElden RingandElden Ring Nightreignare published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware has full ownership of the franchise, meaning that it has final say on what is done with it. The same is true for 2019Game of the YearSekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
Though published by Activision, FromSoftware ownsSekiroin its entirety, which leaves the door open for collaboration between it andNightreign. It would make quite a bit of sense forNightreignto loopSekirointo the equation at some point, especially considering that the Nightfarer Executioner boasts a combat style derived from the modern samurai classic. Throwing in someSekirobosseswould also be fitting, as it would allow players to face them with Executioner, or with another Nightfarer, which would offer a radically distinct experience.
Elden Ringlore references The Land of Reeds, which sounds an awful lot like real-world Japan. PerhapsSekirocontent could tie into this minor lore detail somehow.
What Sekiro Content Could Mean for Elden Ring Nightreign
Dark Soulsbeing the onlyFromSoftware series directly referenced inNightreignmakes a lot of sense. Not only isDark Soulsthe most similar FromSoft IP toElden Ringin terms of tone and visual style, but the franchise is also co-owned by FromSoft and Bandai Namco, which publishesNightreign. But ifNightreignwere to break the seal, as it were, with aSekirocrossover, it could lead to an integration of even more FromSoftware IP, likeArmored Core.
Of course, this runs the risk of jumping the shark, which many argueNightreignhas already done with itsDark Soulscontent. In the era of the MCU and the multiverse, modern audiences may be growing tired of crossovers, which often trade immersion and authenticity for brand recognition and cross-promotion—naked practicalities that aren’t generally associated with FromSoft’s high-art aura. Only time will tell if and howNightreign’s approach to crossoverswill evolve.
Elden Ring Nightreign
WHERE TO PLAY
“ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is a standalone adventure within the ELDEN RING universe, crafted to offer players a new gaming experience by reimagining the game’s core design.Join forces with other players to take on the creeping night and the dangers within featuring 3-player co-op.Take command of uniquely skilled heroes, each possessing their own abilities and distinct flair.While individually formidable, their skills create powerful synergies when they unite as a team.Overcome a relentless environmental threat that sweeps through a land that changes between each game session and defeat the magnificent boss of that night!”
