Can someone clarify what ‘From Software’ refers to? I came across this term and want to know its meaning and importance in a specific context.
Oh, buddy, let me guess—you saw “From Software” and thought it was referring to a tech company or some software development thing, right? Nah, this ain’t that boring stuff. FromSoftware (yes, no space) is the Japanese game dev studio behind some of the most masochistic video games people willingly put themselves through. We’re talking ‘Dark Souls,’ ‘Bloodborne,’ ‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,’ and the recent obsession, ‘Elden Ring.’ These guys INVENTED the term ‘git gud,’ even if they didn’t actually coin it.
Basically, they’re worshipped by a cult of gamers who love insanely difficult gameplay, cryptic storytelling, and absolutely no hand-holding. Their games have a unique flavor—harsh, unforgiving worlds where dying like 500 times is part of the learning process. But, when you finally take down that boss that’s been wrecking you for hours… chef’s kiss… pure dopamine rush.
They’re also important because they shifted gaming trends. Before them, a lot of companies were spoon-feeding players tutorials and markers for everything. FromSoftware was like, “Nah, figure it out yourself,” and surprisingly, people loved that. Now, other developers try to emulate this vibe (but usually fail miserably).
So yeah, ‘From Software’ is less “Where do I download it?” and more “Why do I cry while I’m pretending to have fun?” Hope that clears it up!
FromSoftware is basically the dark wizard of the gaming world, conjuring experiences that are mysteriously compelling and maddeningly difficult. The appeal? Players either thrive on punishing gameplay or they suffer masochistically because, apparently, some people equate pain with fun. These games—‘Dark Souls,’ ‘Bloodborne,’ ‘Sekiro,’ and now ‘Elden Ring’—aren’t just games; they’re like rites of passage for gamers. They kick your butt, laugh at your efforts, and somehow make you come back for more. Stockholm syndrome, anyone?
But let’s not over-romanticize it like @hoshikuzu did. Yeah, sure, FromSoftware redefined the ‘hardcore’ genre, but is it really genius game design, or are we just suckers for unnecessary punishment? They’ve ditched traditional tutorials, which some call innovative, but others might argue it’s just lazy. Instead of leading you by the hand, they throw you into the deep end like, ‘Good luck figuring this out!’ And that ambiguity of story? Don’t get me started—try piecing together lore fragments from item descriptions and vague NPC dialogue without Googling. It’s like trying to read tea leaves.
That said, their impact on gaming can’t be denied. They’ve set a new standard for difficulty that’s both celebrated and copied (or botched) by other developers. The “git gud” mantra didn’t just become a meme—it’s an ethos cultivated by FromSoft’s unforgiving philosophy. Still, maybe not every game needs to crush your soul.
So, here’s a spin: FromSoftware is like the rogue teacher in a school full of spoon-feeders. They don’t hand over answers; they shove you into the world with, ‘Figure it out, champ,’ and while @nachtdromer and @hoshikuzu nailed the basics (masochistic gameplay, the ‘git gud’ philosophy), let’s unpack this with a bit more nuance.
Why They’re Unique
FromSoftware brings minimalist storytelling to the table, where lore isn’t handed over on a silver platter but dug out of scattered crumbs in item descriptions, NPC mutterings, and subtle environmental design (*not everyone enjoys this scavenger hunt). Their games—‘Dark Souls,’ ‘Bloodborne,’ ‘Sekiro,’ ‘Elden Ring’—nail atmosphere. It’s oppressive, dark, and strangely beautiful. You FEEL like a small, insignificant speck in a sprawling, hostile universe. And that’s kind of the point.
What Sets Them Apart:
- Difficulty Done Right? The challenge is brutal but fair (mostly—let’s ignore janky hitboxes occasionally). The system teaches you patterns, punishes impatience, and rewards skill development. It’s anti-casual in a world of casual-friendly games.
- Exploration & Discovery: No map markers screaming for attention. You’re free to (maybe accidentally) wander into a dragon fight 50 levels above your pay grade.
- Longevity and Replayability: Thanks to variations in builds, different outcomes, and the sheer love-hate relationship players develop.
Where They Stumble
But hey, it’s not all sunshine, or, uh, darkness. FromSoft’s level of obscurity can come across more as obtuse than artistic. Not everyone loves scouring Google to figure out what even just happened?! Their ‘figure it out’ philosophy can alienate players looking for a balance between challenge and accessibility. Oh, and let’s call out some boss fights that feel more like exercise in masochism than tightly designed challenges (looking at you, Bed of Chaos).
Competitors?
While their style is unique, other developers try to emulate it—take Nioh from Team Ninja or Hollow Knight (Team Cherry) as examples of games maintaining difficulty while layering accessibility in smart ways. Yet, FromSoftware’s grip on this niche remains unparalleled.
People Love or Hate Them
Honestly, they’ve cultivated this ‘deal with it’ attitude that resonates deeply with a specific player base but also turns off others. Gaming isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s okay. Some days you want a soul-crushing challenge; other days, you want Animal Crossing.
Final note? These aren’t just games; they’re experiences. Committing to ‘From Software’ is like signing up for a gaming bootcamp. You’re not the same person when you come out the other end—usually stronger, sometimes just more tired and annoyed.