History Creator / FromSoftware

Through [[MediaNotes/TheFifthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames The Fifth]] and MediaNotes/TheSixthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames, they were largely known for their highly difficult HumongousMecha and DarkFantasy games that had small but dedicated cult followings. However, starting in MediaNotes/TheSeventhGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames, they gained worldwide popularity for their [[TropeMaker trope-making]] DifficultButAwesome [[SoulsLikeRPG Souls-like RPGs]], including ''VideoGame/DemonsSouls'', the ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'' trilogy, and ''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}'', all helmed by the now company President, Creator/HidetakaMiyazaki. This popularity led in 2014 to the Japanese media conglomerate Kadokawa acquiring an 80% stake in [=FromSoftware=], ending nearly 20 years of independence. Eight years later, following the success of ''VideoGame/EldenRing'', both Tencent and Sony Interactive would each buy approximately 15% shares in the studio.

Through [[MediaNotes/TheFifthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames The Fifth]] and MediaNotes/TheSixthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames, they were largely known for their highly difficult HumongousMecha and DarkFantasy games that had small but dedicated cult followings. However, starting in MediaNotes/TheSeventhGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames, they gained worldwide popularity for their [[TropeMaker trope-making]] DifficultButAwesome [[SoulsLikeRPG Souls-like RPGs]], including ''VideoGame/DemonsSouls'', the ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'' trilogy, and ''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}''. This popularity led in 2014 to the Japanese media conglomerate Kadokawa acquiring an 80% stake in [=FromSoftware=], ending nearly 20 years of independence. Eight years later, following the success of ''VideoGame/EldenRing'', both Tencent and Sony Interactive would each buy approximately 15% shares in the studio.

Through [[MediaNotes/TheFifthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames The Fifth]] and MediaNotes/TheSixthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames, they were largely known for their NintendoHard HumongousMecha and DarkFantasy games that had small but dedicated cult followings. However, starting in MediaNotes/TheSeventhGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames, they gained worldwide popularity for their [[TropeMaker trope-making]] DifficultButAwesome [[SoulsLikeRPG Souls-like RPGs]], including ''VideoGame/DemonsSouls'', the ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'' trilogy, and ''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}''. This popularity led in 2014 to the Japanese media conglomerate Kadokawa acquiring an 80% stake in [=FromSoftware=], ending nearly 20 years of independence. Eight years later, following the success of ''VideoGame/EldenRing'', both Tencent and Sony Interactive would each buy approximately 15% shares in the studio.

** Both Seath and Gurya, the villains from {{VideoGame/Kings Field}} end up reappearing in ''VideoGame/DarkSoulsI'', except Gurya ends up renamed to Kalameet (although both Gurya and Kalameet basically look identical).
* NintendoHard: A large amount of their published games throw in some particularly nasty gameplay mechanics, including, but not limited to: CheckpointStarvation, KaizoTrap, numerous {{boss battle}} types, SpitefulAI, EarlyGameHell, GuideDangIt, BagOfSpilling, etc.
* ProductionForeshadowing:

Through [[UsefulNotes/TheFifthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames The Fifth]] and UsefulNotes/TheSixthGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames, they were largely known for their NintendoHard HumongousMecha and DarkFantasy games that had small but dedicated cult followings. However, starting in UsefulNotes/TheSeventhGenerationOfConsoleVideoGames, they gained worldwide popularity for their [[TropeMaker trope-making]] DifficultButAwesome [[SoulsLikeRPG Souls-like RPGs]], including ''VideoGame/DemonsSouls'', the ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'' trilogy, and ''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}''. This popularity led in 2014 to the Japanese media conglomerate Kadokawa acquiring an 80% stake in [=FromSoftware=], ending nearly 20 years of independence. Eight years later, following the success of ''VideoGame/EldenRing'', both Tencent and Sony Interactive would each buy approximately 15% shares in the studio.

* {{BFS}}: The Moonlight Sword, a regular among the strongest blades available (laser blades in ''Armored Core'', magic swords in the ''Souls'' series, [[TheLastOfTheseIsNotLikeTheOthers bazookas]] in the ''VideoGame/MetalWolfChaos'').

[=FromSoftware, Inc.=] 『株式会社フロム・ソフトウェア』 is a Japanese game developer founded in 1986. Originally founded as an office productivity software company (thus the company's name), From would decide to shift gears and move into making video games after members of the staff played the ''VideoGame/{{Wizardry}}'' series, leading to the development and eventual release of ''VideoGame/KingsField'' in 1994 for the Sony UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation}}.