The Duskbloods: New game from FromSoftware will be exclusive to Switch 2 and will not have Bandai Namco

FromSoftware is back with an unexpected announcement: their next game, The Duskbloods, will be an exclusive title for the Switch 2 and will not involve Bandai Namco. The revelation came after a long period of silence from the studio, which hadn't shared any news since the release of the expansion Shadow of The Erdtree.

A new multiplayer challenge from FromSoftware

Different from the traditional Soulslike style for which FromSoftware became famous, The Duskbloods will be a PvPvE online title where up to 8 players compete for supremacy and face challenging enemies in brutal battles.

In the game, players take on the role of the Bloodsworn, warriors who have acquired superhuman abilities through a special blood. The fight for First Blood takes place in a dark world, where humanity's twilight approaches.

The title will be released worldwide in 2026, and more details will be revealed on April 4th.

End of partnership with Bandai Namco?

The absence of Bandai Namco in the publication of The Duskbloods caught attention. Traditionally, the publisher is responsible for distributing games from FromSoftware, such as Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring. However, the official press release states that the game will be published by Nintendo and FromSoftware themselves.

"FromSoftware, Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Hidetaka Miyazaki) announced that the new online multiplayer action game The Duskbloods (published by Nintendo/FromSoftware) will be released worldwide in 2026 for the Nintendo Switch 2."

Furthermore, Bandai Namco issued their own press release listing the games featured in the Nintendo Direct, mentioning Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, but without any mention of The Duskbloods.

This change raises several questions: is FromSoftware seeking editorial independence? Did Nintendo invest in the project in exchange for exclusivity on the Switch 2?

The Duskbloods and the future of the Switch 2

The announcement of an exclusive FromSoftware game for the Switch 2 strengthens Nintendo's new console. The Japanese company has already confirmed that the device will feature 4K in docked mode, 120fps in 1080p in portable mode and new Joy-Con 2 with a magnetic system.

In addition to The Duskbloods, other games confirmed for the Switch 2 include:

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Mario Kart World

Drag x Drive

Elden Ring Tarnished Edition

Now we just have to wait for April 4th, when more details about The Duskbloods will be revealed. Is FromSoftware preparing a new success for Nintendo's console?