A New Perspective on Elden Ring: A Co-Workers’ Journey into the Lands Between

Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed and culturally phenomenon game developed by FromSoftware, has captured the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide. The game’s intricate world, challenging combat, and open-ended story have inspired countless hours of exploration and discovery. But Elden Ring’s impact extends beyond the virtual realm, as evidenced by a new novel based on the game.

Kadokawa Corporation, the parent company of Elden Ring’s developer, is releasing a novel titled “See You At That Grace After Work” in Japan. This novel tells the story of two co-workers who discover a shared love for Elden Ring and form a bond through their shared experiences in the game. The title references the Sites of Grace, significant landmarks throughout Elden Ring’s world of The Lands Between.

The novel follows a Japanese office worker and gamer who enjoys Elden Ring but has only played solo. After spending his workbreaks looking at guide websites, a senior colleague notices and, as a fan of Elden Ring themselves, speaks to the worker about it. The two interact more and more both at work and online as they play Elden Ring together.

This unique take on Elden Ring offers a fresh perspective on the game, highlighting the social connections that can be formed through shared experiences. It’s a reminder that games are not just solitary activities but can also bring people together.

Elden Ring has been praised for its immersive world and challenging gameplay, but its impact on players extends beyond the screen. The game has inspired fans to create their content, from fan art to fan fiction to even novels. This novel is a testament to the game’s ability to inspire and connect people.

The release of “See You At That Grace After Work” comes as FromSoftware prepares to release its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, on June 21. Elden Ring’s fan base has been active in the two years since its launch, with fans finding creative ways to interact with the game. From playing it with Fisher Price toys to using the Nintendo Switch Ring Fit controller to even creating a working VR version of the game.

The novel arrives on March 29, 2024, in Japanese only, with no word on an international release. Keiichi Hikami, the author of several Monster Hunter novels, is writing this one too.

While this is not the first time an unusual book on Elden Ring has been released, as Kadokawa previously released a manga following a naked Tarnished called Asea as a comedy, this novel offers a different take on the game’s story. Instead of the dark and dramatic fantastical story told in the game, it follows the bond formed between two co-workers through their shared love of Elden Ring.

Elden Ring’s impact on its fans is a testament to the game’s ability to inspire and connect people. Whether it’s through the game’s immersive world or the social connections formed through shared experiences, Elden Ring continues to captivate and bring joy to gamers worldwide.

In conclusion, “See You At That Grace After Work” is an exciting addition to the Elden Ring universe, offering a fresh perspective on the game and highlighting the social connections that can be formed through shared experiences. The novel’s release comes as FromSoftware prepares to release its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, and as fans continue to find creative ways to interact with the game. Elden Ring’s impact on its fans is a testament to the game’s ability to inspire and connect people, and this novel is a reminder of that.