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The release ofElden Ringwas a huge deal not just because it was FromSoftware’s first true open-world game (and their biggest), but also for the involvement of storied author George R. R. Martin, who laid down the foundation of the action-RPG’s world.
A collaboration between these two legends is something no one could see coming, but boy did it bear fruit.Elden Ringnot only became the most successful FromSoftware title, it also won the 2022 Game of the Year award. Now, as fans eagerly await the release of its DLC,Shadow of the Erdtree, many wonder how Martin has contributed to it.
Martin’s Aura Indirectly Extends ToShadow Of The Erdtree
In an interview withIGN,Elden RingdirectorHidetaka Miyazakiclarified that Martin didn’t return to the writer’s room for the DLC:
The way George Martin’s story has been incorporated is the same as it was with the base game with Elden Ring. And to avoid misunderstanding there, we just want to point out that he hasn’t written anything exclusively and new for the sake of this DLC.
Hidetaka Miyazaki Details George RR Martin’s Contribution to Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
Instead,Shadow of the Erdtreebuilds on thefoundation Martin had already createdforElden Ring. So, while Martin didn’t write anything specific forShadow of the Erdtree, his ideas and world-building from the main game will still be present in the highly-anticipated expansion.
“It would still be fair to say that he and his mythos that he created for us are involved in the creation of Shadow of the Erdtree in the same way,” said Miyazaki.
Elden RingUsed A Smaller Piece Of Martin’s Original Mythos
Miyazaki also explained that Martin’s work wasn’t just forElden Ring, but for a slew of potential stories, and that they’re only using smaller chunks of the foundation he built:
In making the base game and making Elden Ring, we took from that mythos, but we only took one part of it. We took from a part that created the story of Elden Ring and created the world that we wanted to envision, and the Shadow of the Erdtree is yet another part of that original mythos that he wrote and that has inspired us to create the story of this DLC.
George RR Martin Wrote Elden Ring As An Alternate Game of Thrones Ending: Theory Reveals Striking Similarities Between FromSoft Game And A Song Of Ice And Fire
It’s interesting that Miyazaki suggests there’s more to the mythos than just the parts they’ve used for the base game and its upcoming expansion. It really makes one wonder how big Martin’s early contribution was, and whether we could see more of it being used for future expansions, or maybe evena sequel toElden Ring.
As for Martin’s reaction to the game’s success, Miyazaki mentioned, “Mr. Martin and I have at least exchanged emails since the release of Elden Ring, but unfortunately we haven’t been able to meet and speak in person,” The director citesMartin’s busy scheduleas the reason, but we can imagine the celebrated author is very happy with the game’s success.
Shadow of the Erdtree Can Finally Confirm a Huge George RR Martin Connection With 4 Shardbearers of The Lands Between
The collaboration between Miyazaki and Martin is one we never knew we needed until it happened, and it makes a lot of sense as well. An iconic fantasy RPG auteur working with the author who wrote the most successful fantasy novels of all time is a match made is heaven, and bothElden Ringand its upcoming expansion are testament to that.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtreereleases on 12 July 2025 across PS4/PS5, PC, and Xbox One/Series X/S.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Content Writer
Articles Published :247
A lifelong gamer, lover of cars, and Master’s student of Automotive Journalism, Viraaj Bhatnagar is a gaming writer at FandomWire who aims to be one of the greats. When he’s not hunched over on his laptop typing out copy, he can be found lapping circuits in Gran Turismo or slaying draugr in God of War.
