Nightreign Created Independently from George R.R. Martin

At The Game Awards 2024, Elden Ring: Nightreign made a splash with its announcement. However, fans were surprised to learn that George R.R. Martin, the acclaimed author behind the Game of Thrones series, had no hand in this new project’s development. FromSoftware had earlier announced that there wouldn’t be an Elden Ring 2 but hinted at spin-offs grounded in the same rich universe. Despite some whispers about a potential multiplayer addition, the Elden Ring: Nightreign was mostly kept under wraps until the big reveal.

Originally released in 2022, Elden Ring introduced players to the mystical Lands Between, where they took on the role of the Tarnished in their quest to become Elden Lord. Known for its immersive world and intense boss battles, it had players on the edge of their seats — a trend that continued with the 2024 Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Now, this excitement carries over to Nightreign, slated for a 2025 release. This spin-off will continue the legacy of the original, fitting nicely into FromSoftware’s earlier hints.

In a chat with IGN following Nightreign’s reveal, game director Junya Ishizaki dived into the nitty-gritty of its multiplayer features. He confirmed that while Nightreign shares its universe with the original, it tells its own standalone story. Ishizaki also mentioned that Martin, despite crafting the lore for the first game, did not participate in crafting Shadow of the Erdtree or Nightreign’s narratives. The intent was to forge a narrative path distinct from the main story, respecting the fans’ attachment to the original tale.

Even though fans eagerly await Martin’s Winds of Winter in the Game of Thrones saga, his significant impact on Elden Ring’s world is undeniable, especially concerning the events predating the game. Martin has expressed interest in the Elden Ring live-action project, potentially overseeing it as he has with the House of the Dragon series.

Hidetaka Miyazaki, the visionary director of Elden Ring, expressed openness to future partnerships akin to the one with Martin, whether that means working together again on a new project or collaborating with others. Miyazaki lauded Martin’s world-building prowess, recognizing how it inspired the creative energies of the FromSoftware team. Therefore, should Martin be open to it, he would definitely be welcomed back for future endeavors.

Elden Ring was brought to life through the combined talents of FromSoftware and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment. It’s a sprawling fantasy action-RPG that thrives on the creative input of Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. The game has captivated players since its debut on February 25, 2022, offering online co-op and multiplayer modes, though cross-save isn’t available. The experience promises about 58 hours of engaging gameplay and boasts compatibility with various platforms, continuing to enchant players with its intricate world of danger and discovery.