With the recent announcement of FromSoftware's new Switch 2 exclusive, The Duskbloods, I'm having flashbacks to Bloodborne's release on the PlayStation 4 over ten years ago. Bloodborne's PS4 exclusivity was largely a result of the available technology and hardware that Hidetaka Miyazaki, the head of FromSoft, thought was necessary to make the game the way he wanted. While I understand the rationale for Bloodborne's exclusivity, I don't think the reasoning behind The Duskbloods' exclusivity is quite the same.

The Elden Ring Nightreign's beta test recently, I'm really hopeful about FromSoft breaking from their traditional formula, and I don't want to miss out on The Duskbloods just because it's on a console I'm not familiar with.

Duskbloods Has Me Both Excited & Frustrated About Switch 2

A FromSoft Multiplayer Switch 2 Exclusive Might Not Be The Draw Nintendo Thinks It Is

There are a handful of good reasons for FromSoft to make The Duskbloods a Switch 2 exclusive, the most obvious being the financial incentive that Nintendo likely provided to make it exclusive. But the decision also follows the recent FromSoft trend of breaking out from the formula that defined it for year by developing multiplayer games and repurposing older IPs. The Duskbloods isn't a sequel to Bloodborne, but it's definitely a spiritual successor, using gothic horror elements and maintaining the same macabre style.

With Nightreign being a success in my eyes, I have faith in FromSoft's ability to create something new and innovative with their formula, and the Switch 2 is an interesting canvas to develop something completely original and unique. At the same time, I'm not entirely convinced fans of past Souls games are going to take the bait and buy a Switch 2 just to play The Duskbloods, even if it is a complete success. While the game is geared toward a FromSoft audience, there's a major barrier to entry due to Nintendo consoles traditionally focusing on a younger audience.

Is The Switch 2 The Best Platform For A Soulsborne?

FromSoft's Exclusives Have Pros & Cons

Console exclusivity isn't always a bad thing, and it's a big reason we're still getting new FromSoft games with massive budgets. So far, FromSoft has been extremely successful with its exclusives, but I'm worried the Switch 2 might not be the best platform for a Soulsborne game in general. The choice to make it another multiplayer, PvPvE-style game is kind of confounding, as a multiplayer title seems like it would be more successful as a cross-platform experience.

Another big concern is the eventual fate of Bloodborne, which, as a result of its exclusivity deal with Sony, may never be worked on again (at least the original IP). The Duskbloods may end up in the same boat eventually if there is ever a conflict between Nintendo and FromSoft, forcing FromSoft to jump through hoops with a similar but distinct new IP to bring a successor to other platforms while avoiding a blatant sequel.

"I have faith that FromSoft will make another successful and fun game, but I'm frustrated that it's on a console that alienates a large portion of the FromSoft audience."

Overall, I'm both excited and frustrated that The Duskbloods is a Switch 2 exclusive multiplayer game. I'm excited because I want to see what FromSoft has done with the new platform, especially after playing Nightreign. I have faith that FromSoft will make another successful and fun game, but I'm frustrated that it's on a console that could alienate a large portion of the FromSoft audience. While the Switch has done well with adult audiences, it's hard to say if games like The Duskbloods will continue to grow that playerbase on the Switch 2 or ultimately suffer from exclusivity.