Elden Ring Publisher Approached Mistborn Writer For Possible Collab
Brandon Sanderson, the author of the epic fantasy series Mistborn, has been approached by Elden Ring publisher Bandai Namco for a collaboration. FromSoftware's open-world fantasy epic was created with the help of A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin, who wrote the backstory of the game's setting The Lands Between. Earlier this year Sanderson criticized FromSoftware's collaboration with Martin, due to Martin's lack of familiarity with video games, but it seems that it may be Sanderson's turn to work with the Elden Ring developer.
Throughout the studio's career, FromSoftware has become well-known for taking inspiration from various forms of literature. The developer's 2015 title Bloodborne, for example, takes clear inspiration from the works of fantasy horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. The gothic horror role-playing game sees players face off against werewolves and other monsters at the beginning, but by the end the soulslike title fully transitions into a cosmic horror epic. The Japanese manga series Berserk is also a constant influence for FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki, with the Berserk manga inspiring Dark Souls along with Elden Ring and other games.
Following his criticism of George R.R. Martin's work on Elden Ring, Video Games Chronicle reports that Brandon Sanderson may soon collaborate with FromSoftware too. The news comes from the latest episode of a YouTube podcast hosted by Brandon Sanderson, which sees the Mistborn author open an Elden Ring care package sent to him by publisher Bandai Namco. Alongside amazing gifts like a sword and Malenia woodcut, the package contained a note to Sanderson professing interest in a collaboration. The author notes that he already has a pitch prepared for a soulslike title filled with game concepts. However, it should be noted that FromSoftware is an independent developer that is not owned by Bandai Namco.
While a collaboration with FromSoftware might be in the pipeline, a new game from Brandon Sanderson was already announced by the Mistborn author back in late 2021. The upcoming title has apparently been in development for several years, and it is reportedly unrelated to any of the novelist's previous works like Mistborn or Alcatraz. Sanderson has also stated that the game is a collaboration with a well-known developer, though so far details remain scarce. However, his experience with video games proves that Sanderson would be an ideal author to work with FromSoftware.
Sanderson seemed frustrated at the missed opportunity of working on Elden Ring, but it seems that the beloved novelist may actually have a chance to work with FromSoftware after all. The Mistborn writer already has concepts prepared for his version of a soulslike RPG, making the collaboration a natural choice. However, time will tell whether FromSoftware actually works with Sanderson on a future project.
Elden Ring is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC.