"Tencent Developing Mobile Version of Elden Ring, Inspired by Genshin Impact"

Tencent Holdings is reportedly working on creating a mobile version of the popular action role-playing game "Elden Ring" in an effort to revitalize its gaming portfolio. The company acquired licensing rights for the game in 2022 and assembled a team to develop a prototype, but progress has been slow. While "Elden Ring" was originally a premium game with a one-time purchase, Tencent aims to adapt it into a free-to-play model with in-app purchases, similar to "Genshin Impact." However, this approach conflicts with the game's original design. Tencent has faced challenges in adapting console games for mobile in the past and is under pressure to find a new hit game as its gaming business faces threats.