The release of Elden Ring in 2022 was a massive moment in the gaming world. Not only was it a critical and commercial success, winning Game of the Year, but it also introduced a unique blend of gameplay, lore, and worldbuilding. One of the key contributors to Elden Ring’s worldbuilding was none other than George R. R. Martin, the author of A Song of Ice and Fire, who helped shape the game’s intricate lore and setting. However, now that Elden Ring has seen a successful DLC release with Shadow of the Erdtree and an upcoming game called Nightreign, what is George R. R. Martin’s current involvement in the Elden Ring universe?
Let’s take a look at what’s next for Martin and his connection to the Elden Ring franchise, and how his previous work on the game might influence future developments.
Read More: George R.R. Martin was not in involved in Elden Ring: Nightreign
George R. R. Martin’s Initial Role in Elden Ring
Credits: FromSoftware
When Elden Ring was in development, Martin’s involvement was somewhat limited. While he did not contribute to the game’s actual gameplay or design, he played a crucial role in shaping the world of Elden Ring. Martin worked with FromSoftware to create a deep and immersive world, developing its lore, characters, and the intricate setting that would serve as the foundation for the game. However, his contribution to the game’s story was completed years ago, long before the game’s release in 2022.
As Martin himself explained in a 2021 interview:
“I’m not a big video gamer. But the game is called Elden Ring and a sequel to Dark Souls. My work on it was actually done years ago. These games, they are like movies, they take a long time to develop.”
He further noted the importance of worldbuilding in the game, saying:
“They wanted a world created to set the game in. They wanted world building as a big factor in fantasy and science fiction. You’re not only talking about the characters and the plot, but the setting is almost as important.”
Martin’s contributions helped lay the foundation for the vast world of Elden Ring, but his work didn’t extend beyond the lore. Once the worldbuilding was completed, it was up to FromSoftware and director Hidetaka Miyazaki to carry the game through its development, design the gameplay, and build the vast landscapes players would explore. It’s clear that Martin’s involvement was primarily in the early stages, and he did not continue to be part of the ongoing development after the world had been created.
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The Elden Ring Phenomenon and What’s Next for George R. R. Martin
Fast forward to today, and Elden Ring has not only become one of the best-selling games of all time but also received its first major DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, which has expanded the game’s universe even further. Additionally, an upcoming game titled Nightreign is set to release, but this time, Martin is not involved in either of these projects. So, where does this leave him in relation to Elden Ring?
Interestingly, despite his lack of involvement in the most recent DLC and future projects, there’s still speculation around the possibility of an Elden Ring adaptation. In a blog post, Martin teased:
“Oh, and about those rumors you may have heard about a feature film or television series based on Elden Ring… I have nothing to say. Not a word, nope, not a thing, I know nothing, you never heard a peep from me, mum mum mum. What rumor?”
While Martin’s coy response leaves much to the imagination, it reflects the growing interest in Elden Ring’s potential adaptation to other media, especially after the game’s success. In a separate interview, FromSoftware president and Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki spoke about the idea of an adaptation, saying there was interest in pursuing a project with “a very strong partner.” Miyazaki acknowledged that FromSoftware lacked the experience to adapt the game into a film or TV series on their own, but with the right partner, they could explore that avenue.
With Elden Ring’s massive success, it’s no surprise that a potential TV or film adaptation is being discussed. The game’s rich lore and immersive worldbuilding have made it a cultural phenomenon, much like Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. The success of shows like House of the Dragon has also paved the way for the adaptation of fantasy works, making Elden Ring a prime candidate for future adaptation.
So, does this mean we will someday see an Elden Ring movie or TV series with Martin writing? We can only wait, watch, and hope.
