Summary
The 2023 Game Awards recently gaveElden Ring’s community a shock to its system.Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicontook the Best Action Game award home for FromSoftware, but that was the extent of the developer’s presence despite expectations of a reveal trailer forElden Ring’s DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree. After an assortment of leaks and even Game Awards host Geoff Keighley having recently visited FromSoftware’s offices, this assumption seemed reasonable. However, FromSoftware and publisher Bandai Namco had other plans.
Fans' disappointment at this was understandable, as The Game Awards were the last confirmed gaming trade show for half a year. FromSoftware fans are used toDark SoulsandBloodborneDLConly taking about one year to release, so Shadow of the Erdtree getting a teaser over one year afterElden Ring’s launch, with most of that downtime allegedly spent developing it, is unprecedented. Even if the time spent on it turns the expansion into a full-blownElden Ringsequel, players would still appreciate knowing when it’s coming. Fortunately, there are still lots of upcoming dates its reveal could fall on.
Times Elden Ring’s DLC Could Appear In The Near Future
Crossing out 2023 while assuming it’s close leaves the next likely date for a Shadow of the Erdtree trailer on or just before July 06, 2025,Elden Ring’s 2-year anniversary. Although rumors and leaks claim that the expansion itself will make said date, showing its first trailer would still be celebration enough. It also opens the door to the DLC launching by the end of March, before the current Japanese fiscal year ends. Expanding the search to the first half of 2024, the dates of third-party variety State of Play and PlayStation Showcases from the first halves of their years present a wide window for Shadow of the Erdtree to appear.
FromSoftware’s non-exclusive games tend to be shown on neutral ground, but its multiple stints with Sony as a publisher means the possibility of a State of Play appearance exists. It helps that past State of Play dates show a trend of airing in February or March, optimal times forElden RingDLC news. However, that isn’t as likely as Shadow of the Erdtree being at Geoff Keighley’s next Summer Game Fest kickoff in June.FromSoftware may have a long history with Sony, but it has a recent history of announcements at Geoff Keighley’s events. It’s a long time to wait, but considering how large this DLC may be, it makes sense to premiere it on the stage with the biggest audience.
Guessing Shadow of the Erdtree’s Return Date Isn’t As Simple As Examining Events
With that said, Shadow of the Erdtree’s potentially large scope could mean it will take a full three-year development cycle before it’s ready. Considering the tendency to show FromSoftware’s games closer to release, thewait forElden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtreereveal trailer might last through the 2024 Summer Game Fest. There’s even a possibility that a trailer could be released onto social media whenever it’s ready, much likeArmored Core 6’s gameplay reveal. While any news will excite the community, fans could get some far sooner or later than they’d expect.
Potential Shadow of the Erdtree Reveals In Late 2024 and Onward
Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show 2024 are possible, especially when one considers that Shadow of the Erdtree is previously-announced downloadable content, giving it the slightly subdued presence expected from those trade shows. But in the spirit ofElden Ringgracing the largest stages possible, next December’s Game Awards are also still an option. Bigger events feel the most likely given Bandai Namco’s influence andElden Ring’s massive success, but thanks to a lack of concrete information, fans will have to stay on alert while waiting for this mysterious DLC.
Elden Ring
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ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
