FromSoftware's titles have defined a modern era of action-RPGs with uniquely unforgiving mechanics and a particularly grim sense of exploration. Demon's Souls and Dark Souls started this trend of refined gameplay features and have amassed a significant fan-base since with each new entry and IP that FromSoftware has put out.
Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice were met with similar praise. Indeed, FromSoftware games are notorious for their difficulty and may not be everyone's preferred style of game, but their player-base is substantial nonetheless. Now, FromSoftware's newest IP is finally only over a week away. Elden Ring is set to be one of the year's biggest games with a remarkable amount of anticipation from fans new and old, and fans are reacting to how near its launch is with sarcastic and morbid paranoia.
With what had perhaps started as a satirical take has become much more morbid with takes shared from Elden Ring fans. One fan had initially stated that their "heart fluttered a bit" after drinking caffeine, which prompted them to worry about their mortality so close to Elden Ring's release date. Elden Ring releases on February 25 and fans are eagerly awaiting it while joking that it would be unfortunate to pass away before it does release. However, this has prompted fans to share anecdotal stories and diagnoses that are rather serious.
Some fans are sharing detailed experiences where their health or mortality was a concern, which has taken the conversation thread in a much more serious direction than intended. The Redditor who originally shared this post has admitted that their statement was not meant to be taken with such severity, and that they may have "worded it poorly." But it seems that other fans have been able to relate to others' stories and may find it therapeutic or cathartic to share their concerns with others.
While fans should certainly consider their mental and physical health first and foremost, it is clearly demonstrated how much Elden Ring means to them. It is one thing for people to joke about their mortality in relation to a video game, but it is another to express "genuine anxiety" that could be more concerning. Whether authentic or not, these sentiments have an effect on others.
Elden Ring may or may not live up to that expectation fans have ascribed to it, but its hype could not be larger at this point. With more promotional marketing arriving with Elden Ring's final class roster and official screenshots, fans do not have long to wait before they can finally experience it themselves and hopefully calm their nerves.
Elden Ring releases on February 25 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.