It's been a long time since Elden Ring was shown in an official capacity. Fans of From Software's games, including the Dark Souls trilogy and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, believe that Elden Ring has to be shown again in the relatively near future. Every show without Elden Ring only increases fans' expectations for the next show. Now, E3 2021 is rapidly approaching and hype has never been higher. Unfortunately, there's industry talk that Elden Ring fans are going to be disappointed yet again.

GamesBeat's Jeff Grubb, ironically the reporter that has been hinting at an upcoming Elden Ring reveal for months now, has changed his tune. In Grubb's Discord, as well as in the most recent GamesBeat Decides podcast, Grubb says that it's sounding more and more like Elden Ring won't be shown during E3 2021. He does clarify that it's "not 100%" but that it's "getting pretty close." Elden Ring fans are doomed to frustration, it seems.

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The reason for Elden Ring not being showcased isn't anything surprising or odd. Grubb says that From Software is focused on the game's development and preparing something for E3 2021, taking time away from the team's busy schedule, just doesn't look like it will work out. He then adds that the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt Elden Ring's development quite significantly, then pointing to the current wave that's hitting Japan. It's not a warning that Elden Ring is in jeopardy, but merely acknowledging the challenges at hand.

Fans should know that everyone involved sounds like they want to show more Elden Ring to fans. Finishing the game and making it as good as it can be is just taking precedence. Grubb says that he believes From Software, Bandai Namco, and Xbox all want it at E3 2021, but From might not be ready for it. Grubb says Bandai Namco is likely to keep pushing for something, but that it's growing less likely.

One detail that Grubb shares that should show just how much the pandemic has hit From Software is the planned release window for Elden Ring. He says that Elden Ring was originally supposed to launch in 2020. Now it's looking like 2021 would be a stretch. The pandemic has disrupted From Software's development by that much.

It's a bad situation to be in for all parties involved. As mentioned on GamesBeat Decides, the lack of Elden Ring is going to overshadow much of Bandai Namco's other announcements. If From Software needs more time then it needs more time, but the wait is certainly punishing.

Elden Ring is currently in development.

MORE: E3 2021 is the Perfect Stage for Elden Ring, But Fans Shouldn't Hold Their Breath