Gamer to Sue FromSoftware Over Elden Ring High Difficulty
In a surprising turn of events, an Elden Ring player has announced plans to sue FromSoftware, the developer behind the notoriously challenging game. The lawsuit, set to be filed on September 25, 2024, argues that Elden Ring contains hidden content that is inaccessible to the average player due to its high difficulty. This claim extends to other FromSoftware titles like Sekiro and Bloodborne, suggesting a pattern of hidden games within their challenging gameplay.
The player, who shared his intentions on social media, asserts that data miners frequently find cut content in FromSoftware games. He believes this content is not merely discarded but part of a larger game that remains undiscovered by even the most dedicated fans. The lawsuit targets both FromSoftware and Bandai Namco, the publisher, seeking to expose what he describes as a hidden game within the game.
A tweet from the user @airbagged on July 27, 2024, brought widespread attention to the lawsuit:
"Only two months remain, starting today. September 25th 2024 is when Bandai Namco games enters court for a hearing in my 'Elden Ring' lawsuit that claims we have only played HALF of FROM SOFTWARE’s games and a whole new game is hidden inside, and that it’s too hard to access for even its most dedicated fans."
The plaintiff argues that the difficulty level of FromSoftware's games creates a barrier, preventing players from accessing the full extent of the content. He challenges the notion that what is often referred to as "cut content" is actually undiscovered parts of a larger game hidden behind the game's formidable difficulty.
Game development typically involves cutting content as part of the process, and such decisions are usually made for pacing, balance, or resource management. However, this lawsuit brings a new perspective on the transparency of game content and the role of difficulty in player access. The case has garnered significant attention from the gaming community, many of whom are curious to see if it will move forward and potentially influence future game design practices.
FromSoftware has yet to respond to these allegations, and industry experts are keenly watching how this unfolds. The outcome could set a precedent for how developers approach game difficulty and content disclosure, potentially leading to more transparent development processes.
For those interested in the legal and developmental implications of this case, stay tuned for updates as we approach the court date. The gaming world is watching closely, eager to see whether this lawsuit will bring about changes in how games are designed and presented to players.