FromSoftware, the studio renowned for its challenging single-player experiences like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, is diving headfirst into multiplayer with its upcoming exclusive, The Duskbloods. But unlike many online games that can feel overwhelming for new players facing seasoned veterans, FromSoftware is implementing a unique matchmaking system designed to create a more welcoming and balanced experience. This approach aims to protect newcomers while still providing opportunities for skilled players to test their mettle.
Bridging the Gap: Skill-Based Matchmaking in “The Duskbloods”
In an interview with IGN, FromSoftware president and The Duskbloods director Hidetaka Miyazaki confirmed that the game will feature a ranked matchmaking system. This system intelligently pairs highly skilled players together, while keeping newer players grouped within their own pool. The goal is to prevent lopsided matches as the skill gap naturally widens over time.
Skill-based matchmaking has long been a contentious issue in multiplayer gaming. Games like Call of Duty and Apex Legends have faced considerable backlash from players who feel that such systems create unnecessarily punishing lobbies. However, FromSoftware seems determined to learn from these past experiences and implement a system that is both fair and enjoyable for all.
“In terms of really, really good players, we definitely plan on having the matchmaking system work in a way so that it’s ranked, and players who are really good tend to be matched with other players who are great, and players who are new tend to be matched with other new players just to avoid situations like you had mentioned,” Miyazaki explained. “Another element is that, even if you’re not necessarily always winning the matches or making it to the end, there are things that you can unlock through just gameplay like story content and customization for your character, which should allow you to enjoy it outside of the actual combat. We’re hoping that can at least draw players in initially – they can enjoy the game for what it is, and enjoy the story and the world. And then from there, if they want to continue to get better at the actual matches, then that’s something that they can do as well.”
Interestingly, Miyazaki stressed that this system “might not be something that comes out initially and may come a bit later on”. He also highlighted the importance of fostering positive interactions between veteran players and newcomers. “We’re definitely considering ways to build a relationship between veteran players and new players – something that’s positive and not always scary or something they’d want to avoid,” he added.
Examples of these potential features include event customization, where certain in-match events are rarer or more frequent depending on the experience level of the players involved. Another possibility is an Alliance system, allowing experienced players to specifically request matches with newcomers, similar to leaving signs in front of bosses in previous FromSoftware games.
Miyazaki emphasized that the team wants this system “to be positive for both players” – “veterans to feel like they’re contributing to the newcomers and the newcomers to feel like they’re being accepted and having fun with others.” He added, “Making sure they’re not split to where they don’t want to interact with each other. It’s definitely something to consider and something we want to look at in a positive way.”
It’s important to note that none of this is finalized for the current Network Test build, and FromSoftware is still evaluating how its more experimental systems, including the Sigil and Virtue point systems, resonate with players before solidifying the long-term evolution of matchmaking. This weekend’s Network Test runs in phases, one per day from 21st to 24th August.
The Duskbloods launches as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, marking a significant departure for FromSoftware, which has traditionally focused on single-player experiences. Miyazaki has previously suggested the studio is keen to return to single-player games once The Duskbloods and Elden Ring: Nightreign are behind it, emphasizing that the pair’s multiplayer focus was coincidental rather than a deliberate shift in direction.
Join the conversation