FromSoftware’s next game has the opportunity to pay tribute to one of Elden RingOne of the most iconic and beloved gaming memes: the “turtle/dog” joke. Turtles humorously labeled “dogs” through player messages ended up becoming a long-running joke among gamers. Elden Ring community which provided a great contrast to the serious tone of the game.
Recognizing this meme in FromSoftware’s next title would be a fantastic way to connect with the community and keep that whimsical humor and joke charm alive. This could actually be particularly useful for the studio, especially if it plans to release less intense RPG releases without having to alienate its hardcore, RPG-focused audience.
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Elden Ring characters that are obvious homages to other software NPCs
It’s no secret that FromSoftware likes to use many of the same NPC archetypes in their game. So which Elden Ring NPCs fit that description?
How FromSoftware Could Incorporate Elden Ring’s Turtle/Dog Meme
Incorporating the Elden Ring meme in FromSoftware’s next game sounds interesting and is a good way for developers to interact with the community. However, it is necessary to do it smoothly and without feeling forced. For example, a turtle/dog hybrid boss could be a great nod to the meme while still maintaining the intense atmosphere the games are known for.
FromSoftware’s hypothetical boss could combine the characteristics of both creatures: a durable turtle-like shell that gives it high defense, but with the speed and aggressiveness of a dog. This is just an example and the goal is to create a challenging boss and still subtly follow the humor of the entire situation. Basically, it would allow for a light-hearted reference without breaking the serious tone or challenge of the game.
There are subtle ways to give a nod to the dog/turtle meme
Another subtle nod could come from an NPC who confuses turtles and dogs, just like the Elden Ring the messages did. This character could be a quirky scholar or a wanderer who insists that the “dogs” of the world are actually giant tortoises, or vice versa. It would give fans a direct reference to the meme in a memorable and story-friendly way.
While these two subtle ways should go down well with FromSoftware’s gaming community, another simpler approach would be to simply include an in-game item or message reminiscent of the meme. For example, you could include a special “dog/turtle charm” with stats that reflect the qualities of both animals, or stats that would confuse them with humor.
FromSoftware games are revered for their immersive and dark themes
Incorporating a meme like Elden RingThe dog and turtle joke in FromSoftware’s upcoming game is a great way to connect with fans, but doing so needs to be handled carefully to preserve the studio’s signature tone. FromSoft games are revered for their immersive, dark, and often mysterious atmospheres, where even the smallest details add depth to the world. Breaking the fourth wall too openly with a meme risks disrupting the vibe that attracts gamers.
However, FromSoft also needs to balance its release cycle by incorporating more games like Armored core either Sekiro. To do this without alienating your hardcore audience, who craves the brutal elements of player-driven RPGs, the first step is to gradually desensitize them and help them adapt to the idea. A community-uniting meme, like the turtle and dog joke, offers a clever way to shift fans’ expectations and move them into a larger headspace. By acknowledging the meme in a future title, FromSoftware can demonstrate its awareness of the community’s creativity while injecting humor into its often bleak and intense worlds, whether through a boss fight, an NPC, or an egg. Passover.