FromSoftware, Inc. is a Japanese
video game development and publishing company based in
Tokyo
Tokyo (; ja, 東京, , ), officially the Tokyo Metropolis ( ja, 東京都, label=none, ), is the capital and largest city of Japan. Formerly known as Edo, its metropolitan area () is the most populous in the world, with an estimated 37.468 ...
. Founded by Naotoshi Zin in November 1986, the company developed
business software before releasing their first video game, ''
King's Field
is an action role-playing video game series developed by FromSoftware. Titles in this series have been released for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Windows, and various mobile phone platforms.
''King's Field'' wa ...
'', for the
PlayStation
is a video gaming brand that consists of five home video game consoles, two handhelds, a media center, and a smartphone, as well as an online service and multiple magazines. The brand is produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment, a divisi ...
in 1994. Its success shifted FromSoftware to focus fully on video games, with them producing two more ''
King's Field
is an action role-playing video game series developed by FromSoftware. Titles in this series have been released for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Windows, and various mobile phone platforms.
''King's Field'' wa ...
'' games before creating the
mecha combat series ''
Armored Core
is a third-person shooter mecha video game series developed by FromSoftware. The series centers on a silent protagonist who takes on work as a mercenary pilot in the far future, operating large robot combat units known as Armored Cores at the be ...
'' (1997), one of their
flagship
A flagship is a vessel used by the commanding officer of a group of naval ships, characteristically a flag officer entitled by custom to fly a distinguishing flag. Used more loosely, it is the lead ship in a fleet of vessels, typically the fi ...
franchises. By the 2000s, the company's lineup also included the ''
Echo Night
''Echo Night'' is a trilogy of Japanese adventure games developed by FromSoftware. The original ''Echo Night'' was first released in 1998 for the PlayStation. Two sequels were developed; '' Echo Night 2: The Lord of Nightmares'' for the PlayStat ...
'', ''
Shadow Tower
is a 1998 role playing video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation. The game was originally released in Japan on June 25, 1998 and in North America on November 19, 1999. In North America, the game was published by Agetec. ''Shadow ...
'', ''
Lost Kingdoms
''Lost Kingdoms'' is a 2002 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Activision. The game was released in Japan in April; in North America in May; and in Europe in August. ''Lost Kingdoms'' is a card-based action rol ...
'', ''
Otogi
, is a 2002 action video game developed by FromSoftware and published by Sega. It was released for the Xbox in Japan in December 2002, by Sega in North America in August 2003, and Europe in September 2003. ''Otogi'' follows former execution ...
'', and ''
Another Century's Episode'' series.
FromSoftware would achieve breakout success in the 2010s, spurred by ''
Demon's Souls
is a 2009 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 3 under the supervision of Japan Studio. It was published in Japan by Sony Computer Entertainment in February, in North America by Atlus USA in October, and in PAL ...
'' (2009) and ''
Dark Souls
is a series of action role-playing games created by Hidetaka Miyazaki of FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The series began with the release of ''Dark Souls'' (2011) and has seen two sequels, ''Dark Souls II'' (2014) a ...
'' (2011), the latter being the first entry in a
trilogy
A trilogy is a set of three works of art that are connected and can be seen either as a single work or as three individual works. They are commonly found in literature, film, and video games, and are less common in other art forms. Three-part wor ...
whose success led to the creation of a subgenre of
action role-playing game
An action role-playing game (often abbreviated action RPG or ARPG) is a subgenre of video games that combines core elements from both the action game and role-playing genre.
Definition
The games emphasize real-time combat where the player h ...
s known as
Soulslike
A Soulslike (also spelled Souls-like) is a subgenre of action role-playing and action-adventure games known for high levels of difficulty and emphasis on environmental storytelling, typically in a dark fantasy setting. It had its origin in ''Dem ...
s. These include ''
Dark Souls II
is a 2014 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Games. An entry in the ''Dark Souls'' series, it was released for Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Taking place in the kingdom of Drangleic, the gam ...
'' (2014), ''
Bloodborne'' (2015), ''
Dark Souls III
is a 2016 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. The third and final entry in the ''Dark Souls'' series, it is played in a Virtual camera system# ...
'' (2016), ''
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice'' (2019), and ''
Elden Ring'' (2022), which have all received several awards and are often listed among the
greatest video games of all time
This is a list of video games that multiple reputable video game journalists or magazines have considered to be among the best of all time. The games listed here are included on at least six separate "best/greatest of all time" lists from differ ...
.
Hidetaka Miyazaki
is a Japanese creative director, designer, scriptwriter, and executive for the video game company FromSoftware. He joined them in 2004 and was a designer for the ''Armored Core'' series before receiving wider recognition for directing the '' Da ...
, game director and creator of the ''Dark Souls'' series, has served as FromSoftware's
representative director
Executive director is commonly the title of the chief executive officer of a non-profit organization, government agency or international organization.
The title is widely used in North American and European not-for-profit organizations, though ...
and
president
President most commonly refers to:
*President (corporate title)
*President (education), a leader of a college or university
*President (government title)
President may also refer to:
Automobiles
* Nissan President, a 1966–2010 Japanese ful ...
since 2014, with Zin remaining as an advisor. Despite his executive role, Miyazaki continues to direct the majority of the company's games. The company is owned primarily by
Kadokawa Corporation
, formerly is a Japanese media conglomerate that was created as a result of the merger of the original Kadokawa Corporation and Dwango Co., Ltd. on October 1, 2014.
History
The holding company known today as Kadokawa Corporation was origi ...
with minority stakes by Sixjoy Hong Kong, a subsidiary of
Tencent
Tencent Holdings Ltd. () is a Chinese multinational technology and entertainment conglomerate and holding company headquartered in Shenzhen. It is one of the highest grossing multimedia companies in the world based on revenue. It is also the w ...
, and
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), formerly known as Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), is a multinational video game industry, video game and digital entertainment company wholly owned by multinational conglomerate Sony. The SIE Group is ma ...
. FromSoftware usually self-publishes in Japan and partners with larger companies to publish internationally, including
Agetec, Sony, and
Bandai Namco Entertainment
is a Japanese multinational video game video game publisher, publisher headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Its international branches, Bandai Namco Entertainment America and Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe, are respectively headquartered in ...
.
History
FromSoftware was founded in
Tokyo
Tokyo (; ja, 東京, , ), officially the Tokyo Metropolis ( ja, 東京都, label=none, ), is the capital and largest city of Japan. Formerly known as Edo, its metropolitan area () is the most populous in the world, with an estimated 37.468 ...
by Naotoshi Zin on November 1, 1986, as a software developer of
business application
Business software (or a business application) is any software or set of computer programs used by business users to perform various business functions. These business applications are used to increase productivity, measure productivity, and perf ...
s.
The company released its first game, ''
King's Field
is an action role-playing video game series developed by FromSoftware. Titles in this series have been released for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Windows, and various mobile phone platforms.
''King's Field'' wa ...
'', for the
PlayStation
is a video gaming brand that consists of five home video game consoles, two handhelds, a media center, and a smartphone, as well as an online service and multiple magazines. The brand is produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment, a divisi ...
in 1994. Despite its commercial success in Japan, the game was not released in North America, although ''
King's Field II
is an action role-playing video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation. It was released in Japan by FromSoftware in 1995, in North America by ASCII Entertainment and in Europe by Sony Computer Entertainment in 1996. It is the second ...
'' was released in both regions the following year. After releasing ''
King's Field III
is an action role-playing video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation. It is the third entry in the ''King's Field'' series and the last one for the original PlayStation.
The game was released on June 21, 1996 in Japan by FromSoftw ...
'', FromSoftware went on to release the horror game ''
Echo Night
''Echo Night'' is a trilogy of Japanese adventure games developed by FromSoftware. The original ''Echo Night'' was first released in 1998 for the PlayStation. Two sequels were developed; '' Echo Night 2: The Lord of Nightmares'' for the PlayStat ...
'' and the 1998 role-playing game ''
Shadow Tower
is a 1998 role playing video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation. The game was originally released in Japan on June 25, 1998 and in North America on November 19, 1999. In North America, the game was published by Agetec. ''Shadow ...
''. In 1997, FromSoftware released ''
Armored Core
is a third-person shooter mecha video game series developed by FromSoftware. The series centers on a silent protagonist who takes on work as a mercenary pilot in the far future, operating large robot combat units known as Armored Cores at the be ...
'', the first release in their flagship ''
Armored Core
is a third-person shooter mecha video game series developed by FromSoftware. The series centers on a silent protagonist who takes on work as a mercenary pilot in the far future, operating large robot combat units known as Armored Cores at the be ...
'' series of
mecha combat games.
With the launch of the
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on 4 March 2000, in North America on 26 October 2000, in Europe on 24 November 2000, and in Australia on 3 ...
in 2000, FromSoftware released the role-playing games ''
Eternal Ring
''Eternal Ring'' is a first-person action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published in North America by Agetec. Released in 2000, it was a launch title for the PlayStation 2 both in Japan and North America. The game was made avail ...
'' and ''
Evergrace
is a 2000 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 2 (PS2). It was published by Agetec as launch title for the PS2 in North America and was published in PAL territories by Ubisoft and Crave Entertainment.
''IGN'' ga ...
''.
[ In 2003, FromSoftware published '' Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven'', a stealth game that combines action and adventure elements.] The company also released ''King's Field IV
''King's Field IV'', released in North America as ''King's Field: The Ancient City'', is an action role-playing video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 2 in 2001. It is the fourth and final game in the ''King's Field'' series. It ...
'' and ''Shadow Tower Abyss
is a role-playing video game developed and published by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 2. The game is a sequel to ''Shadow Tower'' and features a number of genre and mechanical elements that can also be found in ''Demon's Souls'' and the ''Kin ...
'', in addition to the ''Lost Kingdoms
''Lost Kingdoms'' is a 2002 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Activision. The game was released in Japan in April; in North America in May; and in Europe in August. ''Lost Kingdoms'' is a card-based action rol ...
'' series for the GameCube
The is a home video game console developed and released by Nintendo in Japan on September 14, 2001, in North America on November 18, 2001, and in PAL territories in 2002. It is the successor to the Nintendo 64 (1996), and predecessor of the Wii ...
.[ The company also made a few games exclusive to the ]Xbox
Xbox is a video gaming brand created and owned by Microsoft. The brand consists of five video game consoles, as well as applications (games), streaming services, an online service by the name of Xbox network, and the development arm by the na ...
around this time, such as '' Murakumo: Renegade Mech Pursuit'', '' Otogi: Myth of Demons'', '' Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors'', ''Metal Wolf Chaos
is a third-person shooter video game developed by FromSoftware. It originally released in 2004 in Japan for the Xbox. The player takes on the role of fictional United States President Michael Wilson piloting a mech to battle the rebelling mili ...
'', and ''Chromehounds
is a 2006 mech simulator video game developed by FromSoftware and published by Sega for the Xbox 360. The game is set in an alternate universe where mecha known as HOUNDs battle for control of Neroimus, a fictional region near the Black Sea. ' ...
'' In 2005, FromSoftware would start to produce a series of licensed games based on the various anime
is Traditional animation, hand-drawn and computer animation, computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japane ...
properties under the banner ''Another Century's Episode''.[ In the same year, the company hosted the video game industry's first internship that let students experience game development through a game creation kit, ''Adventure Player'', for the ]PlayStation Portable
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) is a handheld game console developed and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. It was first released in Japan on December 12, 2004, in North America on March 24, 2005, and in PAL regions on September 1, 2005, ...
. FromSoftware underwent a stock split in 2008 before achieving breakout success in the 2010s, spurred by the release of ''Demon's Souls
is a 2009 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 3 under the supervision of Japan Studio. It was published in Japan by Sony Computer Entertainment in February, in North America by Atlus USA in October, and in PAL ...
'' (2009) and ''Dark Souls
is a series of action role-playing games created by Hidetaka Miyazaki of FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. The series began with the release of ''Dark Souls'' (2011) and has seen two sequels, ''Dark Souls II'' (2014) a ...
'' (2011), the latter being the first entry in a trilogy
A trilogy is a set of three works of art that are connected and can be seen either as a single work or as three individual works. They are commonly found in literature, film, and video games, and are less common in other art forms. Three-part wor ...
whose success led to the creation of a subgenre of action role-playing game
An action role-playing game (often abbreviated action RPG or ARPG) is a subgenre of video games that combines core elements from both the action game and role-playing genre.
Definition
The games emphasize real-time combat where the player h ...
s known as Soulslike
A Soulslike (also spelled Souls-like) is a subgenre of action role-playing and action-adventure games known for high levels of difficulty and emphasis on environmental storytelling, typically in a dark fantasy setting. It had its origin in ''Dem ...
s. These include ''Dark Souls II
is a 2014 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Games. An entry in the ''Dark Souls'' series, it was released for Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Taking place in the kingdom of Drangleic, the gam ...
'' (2014), '' Bloodborne'' (2015), ''Dark Souls III
is a 2016 action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. The third and final entry in the ''Dark Souls'' series, it is played in a Virtual camera system# ...
'', '' Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice'' (2019), and '' Elden Ring'' (2022), which have all received several awards and are often listed among the greatest video games of all time
This is a list of video games that multiple reputable video game journalists or magazines have considered to be among the best of all time. The games listed here are included on at least six separate "best/greatest of all time" lists from differ ...
.
In April 2014, Kadokawa Corporation
, formerly is a Japanese media conglomerate that was created as a result of the merger of the original Kadokawa Corporation and Dwango Co., Ltd. on October 1, 2014.
History
The holding company known today as Kadokawa Corporation was origi ...
announced its intention to purchase the company from former shareholder Transcosmos. Following other restructuring, ''Souls'' creator Hidetaka Miyazaki
is a Japanese creative director, designer, scriptwriter, and executive for the video game company FromSoftware. He joined them in 2004 and was a designer for the ''Armored Core'' series before receiving wider recognition for directing the '' Da ...
would be promoted to company president the following month and later given the title of representative director
Executive director is commonly the title of the chief executive officer of a non-profit organization, government agency or international organization.
The title is widely used in North American and European not-for-profit organizations, though ...
.
In January 2016, FromSoftware established a studio in Fukuoka
is the sixth-largest city in Japan, the second-largest port city after Yokohama, and the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The city is built along the shores of Hakata Bay, and has been a center of international commerce since ancie ...
that focuses on creating computer-generated imagery
Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is the use of computer graphics to create or contribute to images in art, printed media, video games, simulators, and visual effects in films, television programs, shorts, commercials, and videos. The images may ...
(CGI) assets for their games. In August 2022, Sixjoy Hong Kong (a subsidiary of Tencent
Tencent Holdings Ltd. () is a Chinese multinational technology and entertainment conglomerate and holding company headquartered in Shenzhen. It is one of the highest grossing multimedia companies in the world based on revenue. It is also the w ...
) and Sony Interactive Entertainment
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), formerly known as Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), is a multinational video game industry, video game and digital entertainment company wholly owned by multinational conglomerate Sony. The SIE Group is ma ...
respectively acquired 16.25% and 14.09% of FromSoftware, leaving 69.66% to Kadokawa. A report published by GamesIndustry.biz
Gamer Network Limited (formerly Eurogamer Network Limited) is a British mass media company based in Brighton. Founded in 1999 by Rupert and Nick Loman, it owns brands—primarily editorial websites—relating to video game journalism and oth ...
in November 2022 alleged that FromSoftware paid their employees at sub-standard industry rates.
Games
References
External links
*
{{authority control
Japanese companies established in 1986
Software companies based in Tokyo
Kadokawa Corporation subsidiaries
Japanese brands
Video game companies of Japan
Video game companies established in 1986
Video game development companies
Video game publishers
2014 mergers and acquisitions
Tencent
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Golden Joystick Award winners