Core Viewpoint - The initial release of "Elden Ring: Nightfall" has led to a consensus among players and media that FromSoftware has "fallen from grace," despite high initial sales figures and player engagement [1][40]. Group 1: Game Reception and Player Feedback - The game achieved a peak of 300,000 concurrent players on Steam and sold 3.5 million copies within a week, but its overall approval rating was only 65%, with a dismal 27% in the Chinese market [1][2]. - After two weeks, the game's daily peak concurrent players halved, indicating a downward trend in player engagement [2][40]. - Despite initial negative feedback, the game's rating has improved significantly, reaching "very positive" status, with the Chinese market approval rating increasing to 52% [4][30]. Group 2: Gameplay Mechanics and Design Choices - "Nightfall" diverges from traditional Souls-like games, which has sparked controversy, but it aims to cater to players seeking a less complex action system [10][14]. - The game incorporates roguelike elements, allowing for varied gameplay experiences in shorter sessions, addressing the desires of action-oriented Souls players [16][18]. - The game maintains a high difficulty level in the early stages, similar to previous FromSoftware titles, but allows for a more rewarding experience in the mid to late game [25][29]. Group 3: Development and Strategic Positioning - FromSoftware has positioned "Nightfall" as a project that can afford to fail, allowing for experimentation without significant financial risk, as indicated by the absence of key figure Hidetaka Miyazaki in its development [35][39]. - The game was initially considered for a free-to-play model but ultimately adopted a buy-to-play structure to mitigate financial risks [42]. - The development team acknowledges the challenges of balancing exploration and combat in the game, reflecting a broader trend in the industry towards online service-based games [22][50].