# FromSoftware

> Japanese video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q2414469](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2414469)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FromSoftware)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fromsoftware

## Summary  
FromSoftware is a Japanese video game developer known for creating challenging and critically acclaimed action RPGs. Founded in 1986, it is owned by Kadokawa Corporation and partially by Sony Interactive Entertainment and Sixjoy Hong Kong Limited. The studio is famous for franchises like *Dark Souls*, *Bloodborne*, and *Elden Ring*.

## Key Facts  
- **Founded**: November 1, 1986  
- **Headquarters**: Tokyo, Japan (specifically Shinjuku)  
- **Parent Organization**: Kadokawa Corporation  
- **Ownership**: Partially owned by Sony Interactive Entertainment (16.25%) and Sixjoy Hong Kong Limited (14.09%) as of 2022  
- **Employees**: 423 (as of June 2024)  
- **Industry**: Video game development  
- **Notable Franchises**: *Dark Souls*, *Bloodborne*, *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, *Elden Ring*  
- **Legal Structure**: Kabushiki gaisha (Japanese corporation)  

## FAQs  
### Q: What games is FromSoftware known for?  
A: FromSoftware is best known for its *Dark Souls* series, *Bloodborne*, *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, and *Elden Ring*, all of which are celebrated for their challenging gameplay and intricate world design.  

### Q: Who owns FromSoftware?  
A: FromSoftware is primarily owned by Kadokawa Corporation, with minority stakes held by Sony Interactive Entertainment (16.25%) and Sixjoy Hong Kong Limited (14.09%).  

### Q: Where is FromSoftware headquartered?  
A: The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specifically in the Shinjuku district.  

## Why It Matters  
FromSoftware has redefined the action RPG genre with its signature "Soulsborne" games, characterized by high difficulty, deep lore, and minimal hand-holding. These games have cultivated a dedicated fanbase and influenced countless other developers. The studio's collaboration with Sony on *Bloodborne* and its breakout success with *Elden Ring* (winner of multiple Game of the Year awards) underscore its impact on the industry. FromSoftware's games are not just commercial successes but also critical darlings, often praised for their artistic vision and mechanical precision.  

## Notable For  
- Pioneering the "Soulslike" subgenre with *Demon's Souls* and *Dark Souls*.  
- Winning multiple Game of the Year awards, including for *Elden Ring* (2022).  
- Known for challenging gameplay that rewards patience and skill.  
- Unique storytelling approach, relying on environmental cues and sparse dialogue.  
- Strong partnerships with major publishers like Bandai Namco and Sony.  

## Body  
### Founding and Ownership  
- Founded on November 1, 1986.  
- Parent company: Kadokawa Corporation.  
- Partial ownership by Sony Interactive Entertainment (16.25%) and Sixjoy Hong Kong Limited (14.09%) as of 2022.  

### Headquarters  
- Located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.  
- Address: 2-21-1 Kita-Shinjuku, Shinjuku Front Tower.  

### Key Franchises  
- *Dark Souls* series (2011–2016): Defined the Soulslike genre.  
- *Bloodborne* (2015): Exclusive to PlayStation, developed in collaboration with Sony.  
- *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice* (2019): Won Game of the Year at The Game Awards.  
- *Elden Ring* (2022): Critically acclaimed, sold over 20 million copies.  

### Employees  
- 349 employees as of May 2022.  
- Grew to 423 by June 2024.  

### Industry Recognition  
- Nominated for Developer of the Year at The Game Awards 2015.  
- Multiple Game of the Year wins for *Elden Ring*.  

## Schema Markup  
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  "@type": "Organization",
  "name": "FromSoftware",
  "description": "Japanese video game developer known for challenging action RPGs like Dark Souls and Elden Ring.",
  "url": "https://www.fromsoftware.jp/ww/",
  "sameAs": [
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  "foundingDate": "1986-11-01",
  "numberOfEmployees": 423,
  "parentOrganization": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Kadokawa Corporation"
  },
  "location": {
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    "address": {
      "@type": "PostalAddress",
      "addressLocality": "Tokyo",
      "addressRegion": "Shinjuku",
      "postalCode": "169-0074",
      "streetAddress": "2-21-1 Kita-Shinjuku, Shinjuku Front Tower"
    }
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}

## References

1. LastDodo
2. [Tencent and Sony Interactive Entertainment collectively acquire 30.34 percent of FromSoftware. 2022](https://www.gematsu.com/2022/08/tencent-and-sony-interactive-entertainment-collectively-acquire-30-34-percent-of-fromsoftware)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. MusicBrainz
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](https://www.fromsoftware.jp/ww/company_about.html)
7. [Source](https://www.polygon.com/2015/11/13/9728874/the-game-awards-2015-nominees)
8. [FromSoftware](https://old.reddit.com/r/fromsoftware/)
9. [FromSoftware](https://www.igdb.com/companies/fromsoftware)
10. VideoGameGeek
11. Video Games Chronicle
12. Know Your Meme