Elden Ring Nightreign Ditching Popular FromSoftware Feature

Elden Ring Nightreign: No In-Game Messages, But Enhanced Asynchronous Features

FromSoftware has confirmed a significant departure from the traditional Soulsborne formula for Elden Ring Nightreign: the absence of an in-game messaging system. This decision, according to game director Junya Ishizaki (in a January 3rd interview with IGN Japan), is a practical one. The fast-paced, multiplayer-focused design of Nightreign, with anticipated play sessions around 40 minutes long, leaves insufficient time for players to engage with the asynchronous messaging system that has become a hallmark of the series.

While this core feature is being removed, Nightreign isn't abandoning all asynchronous elements. In fact, FromSoftware plans to enhance existing features. The bloodstain mechanic, for instance, will return, offering players not only a glimpse into others' demise but also the opportunity to loot fallen opponents.

The omission of in-game messages aligns with FromSoftware's vision for a more streamlined and intense experience. The game's three-day structure also contributes to this goal, aiming for a "compressed RPG" with high variety and minimal downtime, as Ishizaki stated.

Nightreign, revealed at TGA 2024, is slated for a 2025 release, though a precise date remains unannounced. The game promises a more focused, multiplayer-centric experience compared to its predecessor, prioritizing intense gameplay over extended exploration and message-based interaction.