Summary
- The Armored Core franchise will continue after the successful released of Armored Core 6.
- The series is known for mech combat gameplay and deep customization options.
- FromSoftware is committed to improving future Armored Core titles based on player feedback.
FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki has confirmed that the studio will continue the Armored Core franchise in the future. After the critical and commercial success of 2023's Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, the series may be on track to experience a healthy resurgence.
Having begun in the 1990s, Armored Core is currently the longest-running FromSoftware franchise to date. The series has consistently delivered exhilarating mech combat gameplay, allowing players to pilot towering machines of war through dystopian landscapes. Armored Core's deep customization options have also been instrumental in the franchise's success, allowing players to finely tailor their mechs to their preferred playstyles. As the latest entry in the series, Armored Core 6 was a big hit for FromSoftware, with many fans expressing demand for the series to keep going.
Their requests have seemingly been answered, because in an interview with IGN Japan, FromSoftware boss Hidetaka Miyazaki confirmed that the Armored Core series is "very important" to the studio, and that the team has a "strong will to continue it in the future." Miyazaki also remarked on Armored Core 6 being a suitable return to form for the franchise, stating that he believes it was a "success." With Armored Core 6 being FromSoftware's second-biggest PC launch and selling 2.8 million copies by October 2023, there's no doubt the game has resonated exceptionally well with players.
Armored Core 6 Could Do Better in Some Areas, Says Miyazaki
However, Miyazaki also reckoned that there's some room for improvement in Armored Core 6, asserting that "not everything was perfect" in the mecha-action title. Armored Core 6 has received updates at a steady cadence since its launch to improve the game's overall experience, but Miyazaki is likely referring to improvements on a developmental scale. Additionally, he stated that he has "no intention of stopping," possibly hinting at future FromSoftware games learning from Armored Core 6's success while addressing its shortcomings.
It's also worth noting that FromSoftware currently has its hands full with development on Elden Ring's much-awaited Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, which is less than a month away from release, but beyond that, the award-winning studio has yet to reveal what will come next. While many believe that FromSoftware should step outside the action-RPG genre it's pioneered over the last two decades, Miyazaki's confirmation of future Armored Core titles may hint at the studio sticking to its strengths for the foreseeable future, which is a valid approach as well. Considering the renowned developer started his career working on an Armored Core game, it'll be intriguing to see if he decides to helm the next entry in the franchise, since Armored Core 6 was the first FromSoftware game in years to be directed by someone other than Miyazaki.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
- Released
- August 25, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Studios
- Franchise
- Armored Core
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action, Shooter
