History
Founding and Early Years (1986–1999)
FromSoftware, Inc. was established on November 1, 1986, in Tokyo, Japan, by Naotoshi Zin. Initially, the company focused on developing business software. In 1994, FromSoftware transitioned into the video game industry with the release of King's Field for the PlayStation. This first-person role-playing game laid the foundation for the company's future endeavors in the gaming sector. The success of King's Field led to the development of two sequels and marked the beginning of FromSoftware's commitment to creating immersive gaming experiences.
In 1997, the company expanded its portfolio with the release of Armored Core, a mecha-based combat game that became one of its flagship series. Throughout the late 1990s, FromSoftware continued to diversify its offerings, releasing titles such as Echo Night (1998) and Shadow Tower (1998), further establishing its presence in the gaming industry.
Expansion and Diversification (2000–2009)
The early 2000s saw FromSoftware leveraging the capabilities of new gaming consoles. The company released Eternal Ring and Evergrace in 2000 for the PlayStation 2, exploring different genres and gameplay mechanics. In 2003, FromSoftware acquired the rights to the Tenchu series, expanding its portfolio into stealth-action games.
During this period, the company also developed titles for the Xbox, including Murakumo: Renegade Mech Pursuit (2002) and Otogi: Myth of Demons (2002), showcasing its versatility across platforms. The Armored Core series continued to receive new installments, solidifying its status as a staple in FromSoftware's lineup.
Breakthrough with Souls Series (2009–2016)
In 2009, FromSoftware released Demon's Souls for the PlayStation 3, directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki. The game introduced challenging gameplay and intricate world-building, elements that would become hallmarks of the company's future titles. Demon's Souls received critical acclaim and laid the groundwork for the Dark Souls series.
Dark Souls (2011) expanded upon the mechanics of its predecessor, offering a vast, interconnected world and a deep lore that encouraged exploration and discovery. The game's success led to two sequels: Dark Souls II (2014) and Dark Souls III (2016), both of which were well-received and contributed to the establishment of the "Soulslike" subgenre.
In 2014, Kadokawa Corporation acquired FromSoftware, leading to organizational changes, including the promotion of Hidetaka Miyazaki to company president. Under his leadership, the company continued to innovate and expand its creative horizons.
Continued Innovation and Critical Acclaim (2015–2022)
Building on the success of the Souls series, FromSoftware released Bloodborne in 2015. Set in a gothic, Lovecraftian world, the game emphasized faster-paced combat and introduced new mechanics, distinguishing it from its predecessors while retaining the challenging gameplay the company was known for.
In 2019, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was released, offering a departure from the traditional RPG elements of previous titles. The game focused on precise combat mechanics and stealth, set against a backdrop inspired by Japanese history and mythology. Sekiro received numerous awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2019.
Elden Ring, released in 2022, marked a significant milestone for FromSoftware. Collaborating with author George R.R. Martin for world-building, the game presented an expansive open world filled with rich lore and challenging encounters. Elden Ring received widespread acclaim and achieved commercial success, further cementing FromSoftware's reputation as a leading developer of action RPGs.
Recent Developments (2023–2025)
In August 2022, Sixjoy Hong Kong, a subsidiary of Tencent, and Sony Interactive Entertainment acquired minority stakes in FromSoftware, with Kadokawa Corporation retaining majority ownership. This period also saw the company addressing internal matters, including reports of sub-standard employee compensation. In response, FromSoftware announced a salary increase of approximately 12% for its employees in October 2024.
In April 2025, FromSoftware announced The Duskbloods, a multiplayer-focused Soulslike game directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, set for release on the Nintendo Switch 2. The game features a gothic Victorian steampunk setting with a vampire-themed narrative, emphasizing both player-versus-player and player-versus-environment elements.
Notable Games
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King's Field (1994): FromSoftware's debut title, a first-person RPG that established the company's presence in the gaming industry.
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Armored Core series (1997–present): A mecha-based combat series known for its deep customization and strategic gameplay.
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Demon's Souls (2009): Introduced challenging gameplay and intricate world-building, laying the foundation for the Souls series.
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Dark Souls series (2011–2016): Expanded upon the mechanics of Demon's Souls, offering interconnected worlds and deep lore.
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Bloodborne (2015): Set in a gothic, Lovecraftian world, emphasizing faster-paced combat and new mechanics.
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Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019): Focused on precise combat mechanics and stealth, inspired by Japanese history and mythology.
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Elden Ring (2022): An expansive open-world action RPG developed in collaboration with author George R.R. Martin.
Influence and Legacy
FromSoftware's games are renowned for their challenging gameplay, intricate world-building, and deep lore. The company's emphasis on high difficulty and environmental storytelling has led to the creation of the "Soulslike" subgenre, influencing numerous developers and titles. Games such as Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Elden Ring have received critical acclaim and are often cited among the greatest video games ever made.
Under the leadership of Hidetaka Miyazaki, FromSoftware has continued to innovate, pushing the boundaries of game design and storytelling. The company's commitment to creating immersive and challenging experiences has garnered a dedicated fanbase and solidified its position as a leading developer in the gaming industry.