Elden Ring Accessibility Suit Filed Over Skill-Based Content

An Elden Ring player, Nora Kisaragi, has filed a lawsuit against Bandai Namco and FromSoftware in Massachusetts small claims court. Kisaragi alleges that the developers misled consumers by concealing substantial game content, claiming a "whole new game… hidden inside" Elden Ring and other FromSoftware titles. The lawsuit centers on the argument that the games' high difficulty deliberately obscures this hidden content.

Kisaragi's claim lacks concrete evidence, relying instead on interpretations of developer statements and in-game hints. They cite examples like references in Sekiro's art book and statements by FromSoftware President Hidetaka Miyazaki. The core argument is that players paid for inaccessible content without knowledge of its existence.

The lawsuit's viability is questionable. Even if hidden content existed, dataminers would likely have discovered it. The presence of unused assets in game code is common and doesn't inherently signify intentional concealment. Kisaragi's claim could potentially fall under Massachusetts' Consumer Protection Law, but proving deceptive practices and consumer harm will be extremely difficult without substantial evidence. The limited damages awarded in small claims court further diminish the lawsuit's potential impact.

Despite the low probability of success, Kisaragi's primary goal appears to be forcing Bandai Namco to publicly acknowledge the existence of this alleged "hidden dimension," regardless of the court's decision.

The case highlights the sometimes-blurred line between challenging gameplay and potential misrepresentation, while also showcasing the unconventional avenues some players may take to express their frustrations.