In an unexpected turn of events, the release date for the highly anticipated Elden Ring expansion, “Shadow of the Erdtree,” may have been inadvertently revealed by a gaming retailer. The leak occurred through the now-removed page of a Philippines-based retailer, Datablitz, showcasing a third-party Elden Ring-themed controller developed in collaboration with Bandai Namco and Thrustmaster.
The controller’s page initially caught the attention of eagle-eyed gamers, as it mentioned the availability of the device in February 2024, explicitly tying its release to coincide with the launch of the new Elden Ring expansion, “Shadow of the Erdtree.” While the page has since been taken down, diligent users managed to capture screenshots, further fueling speculation about the expansion’s potential release date.
What adds an extra layer of intrigue to the leak is the mention of possible future collaborations. According to the now-removed page, gamers might see additional Elden Ring-themed controllers, including ones inspired by Malenia and Ranni. The page hinted at a coordinated release strategy, noting that these designs would be launched to “sync with the 2025 Elden Ring major keybeat or new game expansion.” This revelation raises the exciting possibility that “Shadow of the Erdtree” might not stand alone as Elden Ring’s only expansion.
“Shadow of the Erdtree” was initially announced in February, and since then, information about the expansion has been scarce. If the leaked February 2024 release date holds true, it raises questions about why this information was not showcased at The Game Awards 2023, especially considering the close timing between the supposed release date and the awards ceremony. The absence of any official announcement during the event could suggest that the expansion might still be further from completion, explaining its omission from the show.
The timing of this leak also draws attention to an incident during the previous year’s Game Awards ceremony. A seemingly random audience member joined Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki on stage as he accepted the prestigious Game of the Year award. This unscripted moment prompted increased security measures for this year’s show, highlighting the unpredictability surrounding Elden Ring-related announcements.
As fans eagerly await official confirmation from Bandai Namco and FromSoftware, the leaked information has sparked a flurry of speculation within the gaming community. Some enthusiasts speculate that the February 2024 release date could be a deliberate move to surprise and delight fans, while others remain cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the gaming industry.
For now, the Elden Ring community remains on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating further details about “Shadow of the Erdtree” and the potential expansion of the Elden Ring universe. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, leaks like these add an element of excitement and speculation to the anticipation surrounding highly awaited titles. Until an official announcement is made, gamers worldwide will continue to dissect every piece of information, hoping for more glimpses into the mystical world of Elden Ring.
