FromSoftware producer Yasuhiro Kitao revealed that the playtest for the upcoming Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods, received a higher number of sign-ups than the playtest for Elden Ring Nightreign. This surge in interest is particularly noteworthy given that Elden Ring Nightreign's playtest was accessible on more established platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, while The Duskbloods' test was limited to the newer Switch 2 console, which has a comparatively smaller user base.

Kitao shared this information during a livestream hosted by Japanese publication Famitsu, with translations provided by GamesRadar+. "We were really surprised," he stated regarding the volume of applications for The Duskbloods. The success of Elden Ring Nightreign, which sold over 5 million copies and saw its DLC move 2 million units in less than a week, likely contributed to the heightened anticipation for The Duskbloods. The game's multiplayer focus, a proven success for FromSoftware with Elden Ring Nightreign, may have further fueled this interest.

Adding to the intrigue, very little was known about The Duskbloods prior to its closed network test. The exact structure of the game, its playable classes, and its core mechanics remained a mystery, prompting players eager for information to sign up for the test. The involvement of legendary FromSoftware director Hidetaka Miyazaki also undoubtedly played a role in generating excitement.

Despite the high level of interest, the network test for The Duskbloods encountered some early difficulties, including server and connectivity issues that led to the cancellation of its first session. During this test, players were introduced to Zork, a playable character who has already become a notable meme. GameSpot's Jake Dekker offered a positive first impression during his hands-on preview, describing the experience as unlike anything he had played before and expressing an eagerness to play more.

The Duskbloods is currently slated for release sometime this year, though a specific release date has not yet been announced.