Video Games Are Getting Easier. Here’s Why ‘Elden Ring’ Is Bucking the Trend

, “It’s definitely not something we actively oppose or want to downplay,” hinting that From Software could “consider ideas like that with our future games.”

Multiplayer isn’t a full solution to fans’ difficulty woes, but it does show that From Software is at least theoretically open to challenging core parts of its design. Bringing a friend along could also make challenging encounters more manageable — though knowing From Software, it would probably find a way to make exploring with two players just as harrowing as going alone.

Elden Ring was a massive success, so it doesn’t seem like From Software is in danger of driving existing fans away by making its games easier. But if the developer isn’t willing to add industry standard difficulty options, finding more creative ways to adjust the challenge could be a win for everyone.