FromSoftwares New Unannounced Project in Advanced Development

FromSoftware’s codenamed “FMC” project is in late development stages for a 2026 multiplatform release, sparking speculation about its ties to existing franchises or a new IP.

Introduction

FromSoftware, the award-winning Japanese studio behind iconic titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring, is reportedly in the final stretch of developing an unannounced project with the codename “FMC.” While no official details have been shared, internal sources suggest this multiplatform game is far enough along to debut as early as 2026. This revelation has ignited conversations among gamers and analysts about whether FMC signals a return to a beloved franchise or a daring new chapter in FromSoftware’s legacy. The article explores the current state of the project, its potential connections to existing IPs, and how it fits into the studio’s broader pipeline, including updates for Elden Ring: Nightreign and an upcoming Switch 2 title, The Duskbloods.

The FMC Project: What We Know So Far

FromSoftware’s unannounced project has been labeled “FMC” in internal discussions, a codename that aligns with the studio’s tradition of using single-letter sigils for major titles. For example, Elden Ring’s codename was “Great Rune” (GR), while Bloodborne operated under “Project Beast.” The “F” prefix in FMC has drawn parallels to the Dark Souls and Armored Core series, both of which historically used codenames starting with the letter (e.g., DS1 as “Blind Lord”).

The game is said to be in multiplatform development, a significant clue about its identity. Unlike The Duskbloods, a rumored Switch 2 exclusive, FMC is being prepared for simultaneous launch across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. This hints at a potential console generational release, possibly leveraging hybrid engines or updates from Elden Ring’s foundational tech. Development timelines point to a likely 2026 release, barring unforeseen delays.

Codenames and Clues: Dark Souls vs. Armored Core

Codenames often act as breadcrumbs for game studios, offering subtle hints to insiders and eager fans. In FMC’s case, the “F” prefix has fueled speculation about its ties to two of FromSoftware’s most enduring franchises: Dark Souls and Armored Core.

Dark Souls Legacy

Hidetaka Miyazaki, FromSoftware’s creative leader, has repeatedly stated that Dark Souls 3 was designed as the “big closure” for the series. However, a 2023 rumor hinted at a Dark Souls III Remaster in the works, suggesting FMC could revitalize the franchise. The first two mainline entries already received 2018 and 2020 remasters, featuring improved lighting and seamless level transitions. If FMC follows this pattern, it might modernize DS3’s combat and Lorencia’s Great槛, appealing to longtime fans and new players who missed the original.

Armored Core Resurgence

The Armored Core series, revived with Armored Core 6 in 2023, has shown renewed vigor. Its success—critical praise and strong sales—could push FromSoftware to explore expansions. The studio has previously released standalone sequels (Armored Core: Ascent Evangelion) and spinoffs (Armored Core Fin) shortly after major entries. If FMC is a Armored Core title, it might adopt the same vertical mechanics while introducing multiplayer elements or narrative depth.

Still, FMC could also be a new IP altogether. Previous “F” codenames like Soulsborn (a now-cancelled Dark Souls spinoff) show the prefix isn’t reserved for existing titles.

The Duskbloods: A Contrast to FMC

While FMC is speculated to be multiplatform, The Duskbloods is confirmed as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, offering a stark contrast to the upcoming mystery project. Details remain scarce, but reports describe a fusion of vampires, jetpacks, and dinosaurs—elements absent in FromSoftware’s traditional medieval or post-apocalyptic settings. This suggests the Switch 2 game could be a self-aware experiment, blending the studio’s signature difficulty curve with surreal themes.

Key Differences Between FMC and The Duskbloods

• Platforms: FMC is multiplatform, while The Duskbloods is locked to Switch 2.
• Franchise Ties: FMC hints at Dark Souls/Armored Core roots, whereas The Duskbloods appears unrelated.
• Development Timeline: FMC is closer to a 2026 release, implying more polished production compared to The Duskbloods’ early-stage tests.

These distinctions reinforce the likelihood that FMC is a separate project, though the studio’s interconnected workflows (e.g., reusing asset frameworks) mean resources could still overlap.

FromSoftware’s 2026 Roadmap: Beyond FMC

FromSoftware’s upcoming slate is already packed, with Elden Ring: Nightreign and The Duskbloods dominating attention. Here’s how FMC fits into the studio’s broader plans:

• Elden Ring: Nightreign
  This 2024 action RPG update combines roguelite progression with Elden Ring’s open-world structure, now reviewing for post-launch performance.
• The Duskbloods Development
  The 5-year-in-the-making Switch 2 project is shaping up as a far-flung departure, prioritizing narrative experimentation over procedural level design.
• FMC’s Multiplatform Strategy
  Simultaneous platform releases indicate a need for flexible software architecture, possibly streamlined using Elden Ring’s engine.

This triple-play strategy underscores FromSoftware’s ability to balance studios, though it also raises concerns about burnout. Senior dev Ben Schneider recently emphasized the company’s focus on “single-player storytelling”, reinforcing that FMC won’t abandon their core DNA.

Speculating on FMC: Remaster, Expansion, or New IP?

With FromSoftware’s history, three theories dominate the conversation.

Theory 1: Dark Souls III Remaster

Dark Souls III’s conclusion on the trilogy makes a remaster plausible. Fans cite Dark Souls: Prepare to Die (DS1) and Dark Souls Remastered (DS2) as precedents. A DS3 upgrade could refine Ashes’ mechanics, add HD textures, or uncap frame rates on next-gen systems.

Theory 2: Armored Core Spinoff or Standalone Game

The recent success of Armored Core 6—which claims over 60% review scores—suggests FromSoftware might explore mechs again. Early Armored Core titles prioritized vertical gunplay, while newer entries added character-driven stories. FMC could hybridize these, introducing co-op campaigns or dynamic terrain shifts.

Theory 3: Untold IP with “Souls-Like” Mechanics

FromSoftware has flirted with third-party IPs (Scarlet Nexus) and Horizon-zero)[” hybrid elements in the past. A new FMC project might borrow from Elden Ring’s narrative breadth while introducing original lore, such as cyberpunk dystopia or mythological action. Developer tools like Elden Engine could fast-track this process.

Fans React: hope and Skepticism in Equal Measure

The Souls community is abuzz with FMC-related discussions, with forums dissecting every possible clue. For example, Reddit threads have imagined a Lorencia 2077 scenario—a DS-spinoff set in a sci-fi realm.

However, skepticism persists. Miyazaki’s comments on Dark Souls 3 have been interpreted as a series end, while Armored Core 6’s 2023 debut suggests a natural successor may arrive later. Critics also wonder if FMC could be Sekiro 2, but the codename’s “F” prefix doesn’t align with Sekiro’s S-class project names (Sesh for Sekiro).

Still, the prospect of a 2026 release alongside Elden Ring: Shadow of the Abyss (rumored), hints the studio is mapping a 2020s-era trajectory through 2030. Gamers’ anticipation is palpable, with polls showing over 70% supporting a new mech juego compared to 45% demanding Dark Souls 4.

FromSoftware’s Development History: Patterns and Avoid Practices

FromSoftware has refined a predictable development rhythm over the past decade:

This table highlights the studio’s pattern of:

• Routinely updating titles (Elden Ring: Nightreign follows DS3’s DLC blueprint)
• Revisiting dormant IPs (Armored Core 6 is the first main installment in 13 years)
• Relying on codenames (Great Rune to Elden Ring shows marketing abstraction risks)

FMC, however, deviates slightly—its multiplatform focus might prioritize market reach over niche excellence. Whether that’s a concern or innovation remains to be seen.

FAQ: Answering the Burning Questions

What are the implications of a 2026 release for FromSoftware’s FMC project?

A 2026 output aligns with the PS5/Xbox Series’ lifecycle, where developers aim to capitalize on 4K hardware capabilities while keeping costs low via unified dev builds. This timing could also create a Elden Ring-style multimedia explosive, pairing launch with cinematographic DLC or merchandise. If FMC mismatches a major holiday window (e.g., mid-2026), it might face competition from AAA next-gen games like Final Fantasy XVI.

Why is FMC being tested across multiple platforms as opposed to The DuskBloods?

Multiplatform testing ensures polychromatic performance on PC, PS5, and Xbox, reducing the gulf between high-end and talkscreen experiences. The Duskbloods, being a Switch 2 exclusive, doesn’t require cross-platform compatibility. This strategy mirrors Elden Ring’s unified builds, which shared engine code but scaled visuals for each system.

Could FMC be Sekiro 2 or related to Death Stranding?

Unlikely. Sekiro titles have used S-based codenames, while Death Stranding (developed in collaboration with Kojima) does not use single-letter prefixes. However, FMC could be a hybrid like Bloodborne, which transformed into a standalone IP rather than a DLC or spinoff.

The Next Chapter: What to Watch For

As of now, FMC remains a mystery. But with 2026’s competitive AAA landscape taking shape (God of War: Ragnarok, Final Fantasy XVI), expect FromSoftware to make bold moves. The studio is no stranger to reinvention, and FMC could either revive a classic series with modern polish or challenge expectations with an entirely new IP.

For the latest on FromSoftwares New Unannounced Project in Advanced Development, stay tuned for major E3 or Gamescom 2025 reveals.