According to Wccftech, FromSoftware’s parent company Kadokawa has published its Q2 FY2025 earnings results confirming that Elden Ring Nightreign DLC is currently in development with a planned release sometime before the end of FY2025. The multiplayer spin-off launched in May 2025 and quickly surpassed 5 million copies sold, performing “well beyond initial expectations.” However, despite Nightreign’s strong performance, Kadokawa’s overall gaming division sales actually decreased compared to the previous year when Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC drove significantly higher revenue. The company specifically noted that Nightreign’s sales impact wasn’t enough to surpass what Shadow of the Erdtree achieved last year. This confirmation comes amid growing player frustration about the game’s post-launch support, with only minor updates like a Duos mode and difficulty tweaks released since launch.
Success story with caveats
Here’s the thing about selling 5 million copies of a multiplayer spin-off from a company known for single-player masterpieces: that’s actually incredible. FromSoftware took a real risk here, and it paid off in terms of raw numbers. But the earnings report tells a more nuanced story. Nightreign was successful, just not Shadow of the Erdtree successful. And when you’re comparing against one of the most successful DLC releases in gaming history, that’s a pretty high bar to clear.
The real issue isn’t the sales numbers though – it’s the player sentiment. When you check the Steam reviews, you see players with hundreds of hours turning negative specifically because of the lack of meaningful content updates. They’re not complaining about the core game – they’re complaining about feeling abandoned after the initial launch. That’s a dangerous position for any live service game to be in.
The DLC dilemma
So we know DLC is coming, but the FY2025 window means we could be waiting until March 2026. For a game that launched in May 2025, that’s potentially ten months without significant new content. In today’s gaming landscape, that’s an eternity. Look at how other successful live service games operate – they’re constantly feeding their communities with new reasons to stay engaged.
Basically, FromSoftware finds itself in an awkward position. They’ve confirmed the DLC exists, which should reassure players, but the timing might be too little too late. The player who wrote that Steam review isn’t alone – many dedicated fans are wondering why they should stick around when the post-launch support has been so minimal. When your most passionate players are leaving negative reviews after 166 hours, that’s a signal you can’t ignore.
What’s next for Nightreign
There’s still hope though. If the DLC drops before the end of 2025 rather than dragging into early 2026, that could completely change the narrative. We might even see an announcement at upcoming events – the timing would make sense. But FromSoftware needs to act quickly to rebuild trust with their player base.
The company’s broader gaming strategy, including their corporate structure detailed in their official communications, suggests they’re committed to expanding the Elden Ring universe. But commitment needs to translate into consistent support. Right now, players are watching closely to see if Nightreign gets the attention it deserves or if it becomes another example of potential squandered.
