Exclusive: Sony is in talks to buy media powerhouse behind 'Elden Ring'

Acquisition would give Sony control of FromSoftware, the developer behind some of the most acclaimed video games of all time

Deal could be announced as early as next week

Sony is in talks to acquire FromSoftware, the Japanese video game developer behind some of the most acclaimed and best-selling games of all time, including "Elden Ring," "Dark Souls," and "Bloodborne," according to people familiar with the matter.

The deal, if completed, would give Sony a major boost in its竞争with Microsoft and Nintendo in the video game industry. FromSoftware is one of the most respected developers in the industry, and its games are known for their challenging difficulty, dark fantasy settings, and deep lore.

"Elden Ring," which was released in February, has been a massive critical and commercial success, selling over 12 million copies worldwide. It is considered one of the best games of the year and is likely to be a contender for Game of the Year at the upcoming The Game Awards.

The acquisition could be announced as early as next week, according to the people familiar with the matter. The people asked not to be identified because the talks are confidential.

Sony and FromSoftware did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

If the deal goes through, it would be the latest in a series of acquisitions by Sony in the video game industry. In recent years, Sony has acquired Insomniac Games, Housemarque, and Bluepoint Games, among others.

The acquisition of FromSoftware would be a major coup for Sony, as it would give the company control of one of the most talented and respected developers in the industry. It would also give Sony a stronger foothold in the Japanese market, where FromSoftware is based.

The deal is likely to face scrutiny from regulators, as it would give Sony a significant share of the video game market. However, it is unclear whether the deal would be blocked on antitrust grounds.