FromSoftware

FromSoftware is a Japanese developer founded in 1986. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki joined in 2004 and helped steer the company from niche mecha titles toward the dark fantasy action RPGs that now define its reputation overseas.

Journalists and fans often refer to the “Soulslike” pattern — demanding combat, sparse exposition, environmental storytelling, and lore tucked into item text — as shorthand for the design language FromSoftware popularized. Plenty of unrelated studios now borrow pieces of that template, which is about as clear a sign of influence as the medium offers.

Elden Ring (2022), developed with world-building input from novelist George R. R. Martin, shipped to widespread acclaim and introduced the studio’s philosophy to a substantially larger audience than earlier console-exclusive launches. On GameOrder we track the franchise entries grouped under our Soulsborne timeline.