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FromSoftware

FromSoftware, Inc.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

FromSoftware, Inc. is a Japanese video game developer and publisher founded in 1986 in Tokyo. The company began as a business application software developer before entering the video game industry in 1994 with *King's Field*. FromSoftware is widely known for the *Armored Core* series and the *Souls* games, including *Demon's Souls*, *Dark Souls*, *Bloodborne*, *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, and *Elden Ring*, and it became a subsidiary of Kadokawa Corporation after acquisition.

History

FromSoftware was established on November 1, 1986, in Tokyo, Japan, by Naotoshi Zin for business application software development. The company later shifted into the video game industry, releasing its first title, *King's Field*, in 1994.

Notable games

FromSoftware is associated with the *Armored Core* franchise and the *Souls* series, which includes *Demon's Souls*, *Dark Souls*, *Bloodborne*, *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, and *Elden Ring*. These games have contributed to the company's international recognition.

Business profile

FromSoftware is described as a Japanese video game developer and publisher whose business includes planning, developing, and distributing video games. The company also develops and publishes internet content. Its head office is located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with a studio in Fukuoka.

Corporate ownership

FromSoftware is a subsidiary of Kadokawa Corporation, following Kadokawa’s acquisition of the company. The parent company is based in Japan and oversees FromSoftware's operations.

Key facts

  • Founded in Tokyo in 1986 as a business software developer.
  • Entered the video game industry in 1994 with *King's Field*.
  • Known for series including *Armored Core* and the *Souls* games.
  • Became a subsidiary of Kadokawa Corporation after acquisition.
  • FromSoftware’s games have a significant international audience in Canada, especially among players of action role-playing games.
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Canadian context

FromSoftware’s games have a significant international audience in Canada, especially among players of action role-playing games and major console releases.

Frequently asked questions

What is FromSoftware?
FromSoftware is a Japanese video game developer and publisher based in Tokyo.
When was FromSoftware founded?
It was founded on November 1, 1986.
Who founded FromSoftware?
The company was founded by Naotoshi Zin.
What was FromSoftware’s first video game?
Its first video game was *King's Field*, released in 1994.
What games is FromSoftware best known for?
It is best known for *Armored Core* and the *Souls* games, including *Dark Souls*, *Bloodborne*, *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, and *Elden Ring*.

References

  1. FromSoftware, Inc. — https://www.fromsoftware.jp/ww/company_history.html
    Supports: Company history; founded in 1986 in Tokyo; original business software focus.
  2. FromSoftware, Inc. — https://www.fromsoftware.jp/ww/company_about.html
    Supports: Foundation date, headquarters, business description, and studio locations.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FromSoftware
    Supports: General company description; founding date; first video game; video game developer and publisher.
  4. IGN — https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/16/the-history-of-from-software
    Supports: Historical overview and Kadokawa acquisition context.
  5. MobyGames — https://www.mobygames.com/company/2348/fromsoftware-inc/
    Supports: Founding details, first game, and early transition to video games.
  6. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org
    Supports: Series associations and corporate ownership details in multiple language editions.