The trailer for Elden Ring might be coming soon, based on speculation and a cryptic audio-based ester egg discovered in the recent Demon's Souls remake. From Software's newest title is set to combine the developer's legendary RPG difficulty with the writing and worldbuilding of renowned fantasy novelist George R. R. Martin. As exciting as the title looks, all fans have been treated to so far is a brief teaser, with no in-depth info on the lore or combat. In spite of this lack of info, Xbox head Phil Spencer has gone on record claiming that the game is already playable.
It's already been a pretty good year for fans of From Software's trademark difficulty formula. The legendary developer has spawned a whole new genre of "Soulslike" games, and this genre is getting more and more populous by the day. Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo have released a new franchise called Nioh, which brings Soulslike gameplay to Feudal Japan and sets players against mystical demons and yokai. The most recent game in this franchise, Nioh 2, has been very well-received by critics, and has flourished in its post-launch lifespan thanks to DLC. Soulslike traditionalists who were lucky enough to get a PS5 have also been able to enjoy Bluepoint's remake of Demon's Souls, giving them a fresh chance to explore the genre's earliest roots.
But through all these titles, Elden Ring has remained elusive. Streamers eager for updates on the game have begun latching onto clues that an actual trailer might be on its way. One hint comes in the form of an easter egg in the Demon's Souls remake; the second easter egg to be discovered after players discovered how to open the game's mysterious hidden door. This easter egg comes in the form of an ominous clanging noise detected in the game's nexus hub. Internet personalities like Andy Cortez and Imran Khan have speculated that the clanging sounds not unlike the hammer from the first, brief Elden Ring trailer. Streamer Lance McDonald also thinks a more thorough announcement is imminent; he cites anonymous industry figures who've been called in to put the finishing touches on the game, indicating that it's about ready to be shown publicly. This isn't exactly a reliable source, but it's something.
Fans have certainly been waiting long enough for a proper Elden Ring reveal. Patience for From Software's new title has worn so thin that players have taken to internet communities to make fan content based on what they think the game might be, even going so far as to assemble full playable demos. This is a real tour de force of internet creativity, but it doesn't help fill players' need for the actual game.
The upcoming Game Awards would certainly make for a great time to spotlight some actual Elden Ring gameplay. A lot of game developers use the Awards to showcase new titles and content. Fall Guys has already teased some reveals which will appear at the event to get players ready for the upcoming launch of season 3. The hints that have begun appearing to suggest an upcoming Elden Ring reveal are pretty faint but, after all, clinging to a faint hope of success has always been what Soulslike games are all about.
Source: Imran Khan, Lance McDonald