Tencent Holdings, The global leader in gaming revenue, has embarked on the ambitious challenge of transforming the critically acclaimed action role-playing console game “Elden Ring” into a mobile version. This discreet initiative seeks to breathe new life into Tencent’s aging collection of games.
Navigating the Transformation: The Journey of “Elden Ring” to Mobile Platforms
The year 2022 witnessed Tencent securing licensing rights for “Elden Ring” from FromSoftware, the original game developer. Concurrently, the company assembled a dedicated team comprising several dozen individuals to spearhead the creation of a prototype. This undertaking coincided with Tencent’s acquisition of a significant 16% stake in the Japanese game development entity.
Despite concerted efforts, insiders report slower-than-expected progress on the mobile adaptation of “Elden Ring.” Tencent had not publicly disclosed its intention to embark on the mobile adaptation of the game—a collaborative effort between George R. R. Martin, renowned for “Game of Thrones,” and esteemed game designer Hidetaka Miyazaki. “Elden Ring” is an action-packed game set in a fantastical realm where players engage in battles against mythical monsters.
The Success Saga: “Elden Ring” and the Quest for a Mobile Triumph
Originally released in 2022 at a fixed price of $60, “Elden Ring” achieved significant success, selling approximately 20 million copies in its debut year and securing its position as the second-best-selling game globally for that period. Even billionaire Elon Musk has publicly expressed admiration for the game.
Tencent envisions transforming the mobile version, shifting from the original premium pricing model to a free-to-play structure with in-app purchases, similar to the successful approach of “Genshin Impact,” a game developed by Tencent’s Chinese competitor, miHoYo. However, this transition poses a considerable challenge, given that “Elden Ring” was meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive gaming experience following a single upfront purchase.
Both Tencent and FromSoftware have chosen to maintain silence on the matter, declining to offer official comments. The individuals providing insights into this initiative have requested anonymity, citing confidentiality agreements.
This move by Tencent isn’t the company’s initial venture into adapting console games for mobile platforms. In a significant development last December, Tencent terminated a project centered around the popular “Nier” franchise, citing concerns related to monetization.
Tencent’s strategic approach to pursuing games based on external franchises has noticeably evolved over the past year. The gaming market’s growth slowdown and the imposition of substantial royalty fees pose a threat to profitability. Additionally, the opaque game approval system in Beijing could result in substantial delays, leaving a finished game in limbo for an extended period.
The urgency for Tencent to unearth a new gaming blockbuster is palpable, as the company’s chairman openly acknowledges the looming threat to its gaming business. Although past successes such as “PUBG Mobile” continue to generate robust revenue, recent releases have fallen short of expectations.
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