Fans of FromSoftware games often get hyped for new releases, but Elden Ring Nightreign seems to be attracting an exceptional level of interest. This is largely due to its innovative take on the classic soulslike gameplay. FromSoftware is clearly venturing into new territory, utilizing its knack for cooperative elements to craft a full-length, standalone experience that could be truly unique in its lineup.
Multiplayer games, particularly those that are ambitious, cooperative, and classified as AAA, are quite common in today’s gaming landscape. Titles like Destiny 2, Warframe, and Fortnite showcase the success of multiplayer-only, always-online formats. Their free-to-play model enhances accessibility, allowing them to reach a broad audience. While some might question whether Elden Ring Nightreign will struggle with its $40 price tag compared to its free competitors, it’s likely that this won’t be an issue.
Elden Ring Nightreign Should Mark the Return of Fully-Priced, Microtransaction-Free Multiplayer Games
Multiplayer Gaming Was a Different Beast Before Live-Service Trends, and Nightreign Could Awaken This Beast
Nowadays, the games industry is heavily influenced by trends like games-as-a-service and microtransactions, making it tough to envision it differently. This is especially true for younger gamers who have experienced online multiplayer through titles like Fortnite and Warzone. However, the gaming landscape has not always been shaped by these elements.
Back in the day, multiplayer modes in single-player games were primarily marketed as attractive features instead of a source of ongoing income. For instance, when Halo 3 was released in 2007 for $60, players got access to the complete multiplayer experience, including all unlockable content right from the start. Although there were additional map packs available for purchase, they were more like small DLC rather than the microtransactions we know today. This pattern is also evident in the multiplayer elements of titles like Uncharted, Assassin’s Creed, and BioShock. Even the online component of the first Red Dead Redemption was free from in-game currency and battle passes, providing only a limited selection of substantial DLC.
When games were created with multiplayer in mind, such as Left 4 Dead or Castle Crashers, online play was mainly seen as a way to draw in players rather than a method to promote in-game purchases. These titles were typically sold for a one-time fee, and although they occasionally offered downloadable content, the approach to this content was quite different from what players experience in modern games.
Elden Ring Nightreign Is a Full Game
In a time when monetization is everywhere, Nightreign is making a name for itself by avoiding live-service models and completely steering clear of microtransactions, as director Junya Ishizaki shared in an IGN interview. Players will earn all gear, upgrades, and unlockable content solely through gameplay. There will be no XP boosters or purchasable skins masquerading as helpful features. While DLC may be available in the future, Nightreign is committed to not squeezing extra money from its players.
The catch is that players must pay to get into the game, but this isn’t a major concern in the current gaming scene. Free-to-play options are nice, but when a game demands hundreds or thousands of dollars to access all its features, it’s hard to call it “free.” You can start playing without spending, but enjoying the full experience comes at a cost. Elden Ring Nightreign is taking a page from the sixth and seventh-generation multiplayer games by charging a full price for a complete experience, and other studios could learn from this approach.