According to GamesBeat journalist Jeffrey Grubb, publisher Bandai Namco may cancel its rumored March showcase for Elden Ring due to the recent trailer leak. Amid since-debunked rumors that FromSoftware would unveil more about its eagerly-anticipated project during a digital Xbox event, footage of Elden Ring gameplay leaked online.
The low-quality video was captured with an older device, leaving much to be desired in terms of what actually appeared on the screen. Still, fans believe they've been able to discern at least a few interesting gameplay details, such as those related to the RPG's four playable classes. Hopes were high that more concrete pieces of information would surface in a rumored March showcase. Said rumors made the rounds courtesy of Jeffrey Grubb, a reputable journalist who said he felt confident in information obtained from trusted sources. GamesBeat reviews editor Mike Minotti shared similar sentiments, claiming Bandai Namco and FromSoftware did indeed plan to unveil new Elden Ring details this month. But if ever such a plan did exist, it may no longer be on the cards.
In a recent episode of The Game Mess Show Live, Jeffrey Grubb amended his expectations for the month of March. Notably, Grubb no longer thinks the supposed Elden Ring showcase will arrive this month. He said removing Elden Ring from the equation seemed simpler than stringing fans along, since he's less certain about when exactly FromSoftware will make an announcement. It's possible the recent gameplay leak "messed things up," he noted, adding that Bandai Namco may now want to focus on adjusting its messaging and figuring out how the leak happened. Still, the journalist believes a full reveal for is coming no later than this year's E3. (Grubb's Elden Ring talk begins at the 10:30 mark in the following video.)
Given the leaks and ongoing rumors surrounding Elden Ring, it would make sense if Bandai Namco chose to adjust its marketing plans. The downside, should Grubb's speculation prove accurate, is that the wait to finally see Elden Ring in action may not come to an end anytime soon. As always, though, it's best to take any and all speculation with a grain of salt, especially since Bandai Namco and FromSoftware remain silent.
The companies unveiled Elden Ring nearly two years ago during E3 2019 in a cinematic teaser trailer. Apart from a few cursory details, nothing of consequence has been shared about the project since then. Yet, the hype continues unabated, with onlookers particularly interested in how the Dark Souls creators combined their talents with those of author George R.R. Martin, who served an integral role in crafting Elden Ring's mythos.
Elden Ring still lacks a launch date.
Source: Jeffrey Grubb, Nibel