Elden Ring shipped over 12 million copies worldwide, hinting to expand the IP beyond video games

Bandai Namco Entertainment and FromSoftware have announced that Elden Ring has shipped over 12 million copies worldwide as of March 14, with 1 million in Japan alone. The data includes both physical and digital sales.

Elden Ring is the latest title from FromSoftware released on February 25. It reimagines the formula they have built over the past decade with their Soulsborne games while retaining the core elements. The game structure has shifted to what they call an open field to expand a sense of exploration and discovery while ambitiously incorporating new gameplay mechanics to allow for more diverse playstyles.

There were multiple signs that indicated the game was off to a good start. GSD reported the game as “the biggest UK video game launch since Call of Duty: Vanguard” and “Europe’s biggest new games IP since The Division in 2016.” The game topped the JP/EU/NA ranking on the PlayStation Store in February, and according to Famitsu, the physical edition of Elden Ring sold around 350,000 copies (PS4/PS5 combined) in Japan as of March 6. The concurrent player count on Steam is incredibly high as well, even two weeks after launch (SteamDB).

FromSoftware’s director Hidetaka Miyazaki and Bandai Namco Entertainment’s president Yasuo Miyagawa both made comments thanking the fans, with Miyagawa stating, “we will continue our efforts in expanding the brand beyond the game itself, and into everyone’s daily life.”

Hidetaka Miyazaki’s comment:

It’s astonishing to see just how many people have been playing “Elden Ring.”
I’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks on behalf of the entire development team.
“Elden Ring” is based on a mythological story written by George R. R. Martin. We hope players enjoy a high level of freedom when adventuring through its vast world, exploring its many secrets and facing up to its many threats.
Thank you for your continued support.

Yasuo Miyagawa’s comment:

Co-development between FromSoftware and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment has brought about the brand new action RPG, “ELDEN RING,” which has surpassed 12M units in sales worldwide.
I would like to use this opportunity to give my thanks to all our fans who have brought “ELDEN RING” into their gaming life. I am very proud to have been involved in bringing such a wonderful and fantastic game to life with FromSoftware, under the guidance of Director Miyazaki, and with George R. R. Martin.
Much effort was placed into creating “ELDEN RING” so that we could exceed the expectations of our fans worldwide. In like manner, we will continue our efforts in expanding the brand beyond the game itself, and into everyone’s daily life.
We will continue to create enjoyment and fulfillment through entertainment, so that we can come closer and connect to our fans around the world.