The highly anticipated closed network test for FromSoftware’s upcoming title The Duskbloods launched this morning, but what should have been an exciting first look for eager players quickly turned into a frustrating experience. Severe server issues plagued the initial testing session, ultimately forcing the renowned Japanese studio to pull the plug early and cancel the remainder of the day’s scheduled gameplay window. The rocky start has left many fans disappointed, though it also serves as a reminder of why closed network tests exist in the first place.
Technical Problems Force Early Shutdown
The first session of The Duskbloods’ closed network test was originally scheduled to run from 3:00 a.m. PT (6:00 a.m. ET) to 7:00 a.m. PT (10:00 a.m. ET), giving participants a four-hour window to explore the game’s mechanics and provide valuable feedback. However, reality proved far less cooperative than planned. Numerous players who had successfully registered for the test found themselves stranded at the main menu screen, completely unable to connect to the game servers. The login failures were widespread and persistent, affecting what appeared to be a significant portion of the testing pool.
As the problems continued without resolution, FromSoftware made the difficult decision to terminate the session early. The studio issued an apologetic statement via their official X (formerly Twitter) account, acknowledging the severity of the situation. “We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to everyone due to the game server issues during the first ‘The Duskbloods’ network test,” the statement read. “We are truly sorry for this disruption while you were eagerly waiting, but we must regrettably conclude today’s network test at this time. We will continue working on server improvements, and we will provide further updates regarding future sessions.”
Understanding the Purpose of Network Tests
While frustrating for participants, these kinds of technical difficulties are precisely why game studios conduct closed network tests before launching multiplayer experiences. These controlled testing environments allow developers to identify server capacity issues, connection problems, and other technical hurdles under real-world conditions with actual players. FromSoftware, despite their legendary reputation for creating challenging and polished single-player experiences like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, has historically faced some challenges when it comes to online infrastructure. Previous network tests for titles like Elden Ring also experienced connectivity issues during their early phases, though these were eventually resolved before the final release.
The Duskbloods represents a significant departure from FromSoftware’s typical game design philosophy. Rather than focusing on a sprawling single-player adventure with optional cooperative and competitive multiplayer elements, this title is being developed as a dedicated PvPvE (Player versus Player versus Environment) multiplayer experience. This genre requires robust server infrastructure capable of handling real-time interactions between multiple players simultaneously while also managing AI-controlled enemies and environmental elements. The technical demands are considerably different from what FromSoftware has traditionally delivered, making thorough stress testing even more critical.
What Lies Ahead for Testers
Additional closed network test sessions remain on the schedule, with the next opportunity beginning tonight at 7:00 p.m. PT (10:00 p.m. ET). Further sessions are also planned for August 22 and 23 at various times throughout those days. However, given the severity of today’s server issues, there is uncertainty about whether these upcoming sessions will proceed as planned or require modifications. FromSoftware has committed to providing updates as they continue working on server improvements, and players should monitor the studio’s official channels for the latest information.
The Duskbloods is particularly noteworthy as it has been announced as a Switch 2 exclusive title, representing a significant partnership between FromSoftware and Nintendo. This exclusivity deal demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to securing high-profile third-party support for their upcoming console. For FromSoftware fans who have registered for the network test, patience will be essential as the studio works through these technical challenges. Despite the disappointing start, early hands-on previews of the game have generated considerable excitement about the unique multiplayer experience FromSoftware is crafting, suggesting the final product may well be worth the current growing pains.
Expert Opinion: Server issues during closed network tests, while frustrating, are actually a positive sign that stress testing is revealing problems before public launch. FromSoftware’s swift decision to cancel the session rather than let players struggle indicates a commitment to quality. Expect the studio to implement significant backend improvements before the remaining test windows, and this experience will likely result in a more stable launch for the final product.
