What game are Japanese gamers more excited about than GTA VI? A brand-new IP from the creators of Dark Souls and Elden Ring. At Japan's biggest user-voted game awards, FromSoftware's The Duskbloods, a blood-themed PvPvE multiplayer action game for Nintendo Switch 2, was chosen as the most anticipated title of 2026.

Crowned at the Famitsu Dengeki Game Awards 2025

On March 14, 2026, the results of the "Famitsu Dengeki Game Awards 2025" were announced, and The Duskbloods took home the "Most Anticipated Title of 2026" award.

Run by KADOKAWA Game Linkage, the awards are Japan's largest user-voted game ceremony, backed by two of the country's most influential gaming outlets, Famitsu and Dengeki. Voting ran from December 19, 2025 to January 18, 2026 across 16 categories; winners in all 17 categories, including a special jury prize, were revealed in a live broadcast on March 14. The "Most Anticipated Title of 2026" award covers games slated for release or launch during 2026.

The competition is what makes the win notable. The other nominees were Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto VI, arguably the single most anticipated game worldwide, and Nintendo's Fire Emblem: Banshi Senkō (万紫千紅), the latest entry in one of Japan's most beloved strategy RPG franchises.

A brand-new IP with only a handful of trailers and interviews to its name outpolled GTA VI. That says a great deal about the trust Japanese gamers place in FromSoftware.

What Is The Duskbloods?

The Duskbloods was announced during the Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, as a completely new title from FromSoftware. It is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive with a worldwide simultaneous release planned for 2026.

Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki

The game is directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, president of FromSoftware and the creator behind Demon's Souls, the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. When Miyazaki takes the director's chair himself, the industry pays attention.

PvPvE: A New Direction for FromSoft

Unlike FromSoftware's predominantly single-player catalogue, The Duskbloods is built around online multiplayer. Up to 8 players compete simultaneously in a PvPvE format: they fight each other (PvP) while also battling AI-controlled enemies (PvE).

In an interview on Nintendo's official "Creator's Voice" page, Miyazaki explained that PvPvE offers tremendous design possibilities and is a natural fit for FromSoftware's expertise in creating formidable, satisfying enemy encounters.

A World of Blood and Twilight

The title points to the "Clan of Twilight" (黄昏の血族, Tasogare no Ketsuzoku). Players control members of that clan, beings who have gained superhuman powers through a special power in their blood. Miyazaki describes them as an expanded, romanticized interpretation of the vampire concept, emphasizing nobility and mystique rather than horror.

These Blood Clans are summoned to various places and time periods at the moment of humanity's twilight, competing to claim the "First Blood" (始まりの血). This means stages range from gothic Victorian settings to near-modern environments with running trains and industrial landscapes.

Superhuman Action and Strategic Freedom

The action is more dynamic and acrobatic than previous FromSoft titles. Players can perform massive jumps, air-kick dashes, and wield both melee weapons and firearms, a notable departure from the studio's past games.

Victory is determined by a "Victory Points" system rather than simple last-man-standing rules. Players can win through direct combat, but also by staying out of fights and claiming objectives while others slug it out. Each character has a summonable partner, adding another tactical layer. Miyazaki has said that even players who dislike PvP should find their own route to victory.

Why Beating GTA VI Matters

To put this in perspective: GTA V has sold over 200 million copies worldwide. Its sequel, GTA VI, is one of the most hyped games in history. In most countries, it would be the undisputed choice for "most anticipated game."

In Japan, FromSoftware's reputation outweighed it. Japanese gamers place unusual value on creator-driven development: a proven director stepping into unfamiliar territory beats even the biggest franchise sequel. Voter comments published by Dengeki Online ran along the lines of "A new FromSoft game? Obviously I'm in!" and "Elden Ring Nightreign got me hooked on online games. I can't wait to see what FromSoft does with PvPvE."

That trust took decades to build, from King's Field in the 1990s to Elden Ring sweeping Game of the Year honors in 2022.

The Strategic Significance of Switch 2 Exclusivity

A major talking point is that The Duskbloods is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. In recent years, FromSoftware has primarily developed for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. This is a notable shift.

According to Miyazaki, the project began when he casually shared an early concept with Nintendo, who responded with great enthusiasm. Development initially started on a smaller scale for the original Switch, then was relaunched for Switch 2 once the new hardware entered the picture, its stronger online capabilities suiting the game's multiplayer focus.

The arrangement is a strategic win for Nintendo, securing one of the industry's most prestigious studios for its new console's lineup. For FromSoftware, it opens Nintendo's audience to a concept that might not have found backing elsewhere.

Notably, Miyazaki used the interview to reassure fans directly: this multiplayer-focused project does not signal a permanent shift away from single-player games. He stated clearly that FromSoftware will continue to actively develop single-player experiences alongside titles like The Duskbloods.

FromSoftware's Acceptance Message

Upon receiving the award, the development team issued this statement:

"Thank you sincerely for selecting The Duskbloods for the Most Anticipated Title of 2026 award. We are grateful to everyone who voted. The entire development team is deeply honored. We are working hard to create a game that will be enjoyable not only for longtime fans of our titles, but also for those experiencing a FromSoftware game for the first time. We hope you'll look forward to it."

What's your most anticipated game of 2026? How popular is FromSoftware in your country? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

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