The gaming community is being helped by a nice samaritan and die-hard “Soulsborne” enthusiast who is giving away free copies of Elden Ring to those in need. Elden Ring will be released in less than two weeks and is expected to be among the most anticipated games of 2022, despite the fact that it will be released in the same month as other highly anticipated titles such as Horizon Forbidden West. FromSoftware has never shied away from creating video games that are one-of-a-kind, extremely particular, and tough.
While Japanese game developer FromSoftware has been creating games since the 1990s, it was with the release of Demon’s Souls in 2009 that the company truly began to get attention. Because of the addictive difficulty and aesthetic significance of this title, the studio’s following efforts, notably the Dark Souls titles, which many consider being spiritual heirs to Demon’s Soul, would be defined by these characteristics as well. FromSoftware has gone on to stretch out even further with fan-favourite titles like Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, experimenting with a variety of diverse locales, tones, and gameplay mechanics in the process.
Elden Ring marks the studio’s return to the world of high fantasy, but the game’s open-world concept will set it unique from the studio’s previous efforts in the genre. Despite all of its experiments, FromSoftware has been able to maintain a robust and dedicated following that excitedly anticipates each new game release in the series. A Reddit member going by the username WhySoSad45 has opted to give out two free digital downloads of Elden Ring to fans who are unable to afford to purchase the game for themselves as if further proof were required of the fervour that exists among these fan groups.
In their message, WhySoSad45 expresses their admiration for FromSoftware’s recent releases and how they “cannot imagine not being able to enjoy them,” which prompted this generous act of kindness. They go on to say that they are proceeding with this strategy in good faith, and they beg readers not to take advantage of this generosity by requesting a free copy only when it is genuinely necessary. It appears that WhoSoSad45’s act of goodwill has inspired other FromSoftware fans, as there are a number of other commentators who have jumped on board the giveaway train and are also giving away digital copies of the game.
Even people who are not actively giving away copies of the game are writing comments expressing their gratitude for the generous action. As this thread grows in popularity, it is hoped that more fans will join the cause. Unfortunately, there is no lack of negativity in gaming communities; from disgruntled fans threatening to kill devs they disagree with to rampant misogyny and bigotry in competitive games, a loud minority of gamers can surely do a great deal of damage. Cases like this one, on the other hand, serve to remind gamers that there is still a lot of humanity left in the world of video games. If games like Elden Ring can continue to promote this type of charity and compassion, it will benefit all players in the long run, as well as themselves.