Decoding "FMC": What is FromSoftware Cooking Up Next?
Alright, let's get straight to it. FromSoftware, the studio that turned our collective gaming pain into an art form, is reportedly deep into developing a new, unannounced game. According to a leak that’s got the internet buzzing, this mystery title is codenamed "FMC" and it’s coming to multiple platforms. This isn’t just another rumor floating in the ether; the report comes from a reliable source and suggests the game is already in the “advanced stages” of production. So, the big question is: what exactly is "FMC"? Let's decode the clues.
First, the basics. This project is completely separate from the other known FromSoft titles in the pipeline. We know they're still supporting the masterpiece that is Elden Ring, and they're also building a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive called The Duskbloods. The key differentiator here is that "FMC" is multiplatform, which immediately tells us it’s not the Nintendo-bound title. The report also shoots down the idea of it being DLC, as expansions typically share the same codename as their base game. This is a new, standalone project.
The "F" is for... What, Exactly?
The most tantalizing clue is the codename itself. Historically, FromSoftware projects starting with "F" have belonged to one of two families: Dark Souls or Armored Core. Think of it as the studio's internal filing system. This little detail has kicked speculation into overdrive and points us toward a few key theories, ranging from the logical to the wildly exciting.
Theory 1: Dark Souls III Remastered (The Safe Bet)
Honestly, this one just makes a ton of sense. Studio head Hidetaka Miyazaki has been pretty clear he's not interested in making a Dark Souls 4. But a remaster? That’s a different story. Dark Souls and Dark Souls II have already been given the modern-gen treatment, making the third installment the next logical candidate for a fresh coat of paint. It's like the only sibling who hasn't gotten their glow-up yet.
What really makes this theory feel solid is the timing. The leak points to a potential 2026 release, which would perfectly align with the 10th anniversary of Dark Souls III's original launch. Add in a pre-existing rumor from late 2024 about a DS3 Remaster being in the works, and this moves from "guess" to "highly plausible." It's the safest bet on the board, but one we'd still be thrilled to see.
Theory 2: A New Armored Core (The Wildcard)
The "F" in "FMC" could also point toward the studio's other major "F" franchise: Armored Core. After the stellar success of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, another trip into the mech-blasting universe seems inevitable. Now, a full-blown Armored Core VII so soon after the last one feels a bit quick, even for FromSoft.
However, let's not forget the series' history. The Armored Core franchise is famous for releasing standalone expansions and sequel-like spinoffs in quick succession. Think of titles like For Answer, which followed Armored Core 4. So, while "FMC" probably isn't a mainline sequel, it could easily be a new, self-contained story in the AC6 universe. Let's call it the Armored Core 6.5 possibility.
Theory 3: A Brand-New IP (The Dream Scenario)
This is the one we're all secretly hoping for, right? FromSoftware is legendary for building new worlds, and "FMC" could be an acronym for something we've never seen before. Miyazaki himself has recently cooled expectations about the studio going all-in on massive open worlds, stating that Elden Ring was the "limit" of the scale he wanted to tackle for now. This is huge.
This opens the door for a more focused, linear, or hub-based game-something that could be finished faster than a behemoth like Elden Ring. A brand-new, tighter experience would fit the "advanced stages of development" timeline perfectly. It would allow the team to flex its creative muscles without the pressure of an established IP or the daunting scale of another open world.
So, What's the Verdict?
Right now, a Dark Souls III Remaster seems like the most logical conclusion based on the evidence. The timing, the history, and the existing rumors all line up beautifully. However, you can never count FromSoftware out when it comes to surprises. A new, non-mainline Armored Core is a strong possibility, and the dream of a completely new IP is very much alive thanks to Miyazaki's recent comments.
Whatever "FMC" turns out to be, one thing is certain: we’ll be watching. FromSoftware has earned our undivided attention. Get ready to praise the sun, pilot a mech, or, hopefully, die in a completely new and terrifying world. We wouldn't have it any other way.
