FromSoftware and Nintendo have partnered on a new online PvPvE title for the Switch 2, dubbed The Duskbloods. This unexpected collaboration sees the acclaimed developer of titles like Bloodborne and Elden Ring teaming up with the traditionally family-friendly Nintendo, who is publishing the game outside of Japan. The partnership is notable given FromSoftware's infrequent appearances on Nintendo platforms and Nintendo's limited history of publishing M-rated games.
The Duskbloods aims to bridge the gap between intense competition and accessible fun, a philosophy Hidetaka Miyazaki, FromSoftware's president, explained was central to its design. "Personally, I am not very great at these high-intensity action games and things like PvP," Miyazaki stated. "So, at the start, the audience really is just myself while thinking about how I would go at this. Are there systems in place that I would enjoy, that cater to me as a player, not being someone who's really into that intense PvP?" This approach appears to have resonated with Nintendo, with Miyazaki noting they were "very excited and receptive" to the concept.
The game's structure has been compared to elements of Kirby Air Ride's City Trial and Super Smash Bros.'s Smash Run. Players are dropped into a large map with a limited time to level up, acquire new abilities, and engage with random field events, all in preparation for a final showdown. This format emphasizes that success doesn't solely depend on being the best player, a design tenet common in many beloved Nintendo party games like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. The network test reportedly offered a glimpse into this dynamic, with players finding enjoyment even without securing victory.
Mechanics within The Duskbloods appear to mitigate the sting of failure, reframing death as an "opportunity cost" rather than a significant setback. While players are encouraged to stay alive, the system reportedly makes players less hesitant to challenge tougher foes, transforming the game's environments into a Gothic playground. The PvP aspect is also nuanced, with direct player-versus-player conflict often de-emphasized outside of specific scenarios or zones designed to reward such engagements. This design choice allows for periods of indirect competition, reminiscent of board games where players vie for resources and points without constant direct confrontation.
When player interaction does occur, it can lead to "fantastic chaos." The combat system allows for strategic plays, such as waiting for more powerful players to engage before swooping in for a decisive strike. The game incorporates a rubber-banding mechanic, providing an attack boost to players lower on the Virtue Point leaderboard when facing opponents with more points, helping to keep matches competitive. The end of each phase reportedly creates a moment of calm, where remaining competitors briefly acknowledge each other, reinforcing the idea of friendly competition despite the game's dark aesthetic.
Despite its grim exterior, The Duskbloods seems poised to offer an experience that feels familiar to fans of Nintendo's multiplayer titles, blending competitive elements with an emphasis on fun and accessibility. The game is scheduled for release on the Switch 2, with Nintendo handling publishing duties outside of Japan.