The video game industry is often driven by hype, with blockbuster games stirring up excitement as they inch toward release. While many anticipated games release to global acclaim (such as the recent Resident Evil 4 remake), just as many — if not more — seem to disappoint, like Cyberpunk 2077. One game that managed to meet its impossibly lofty expectations is the beloved Elden Ring, which just recently celebrated the first anniversary of its release. But in the current landscape of disappointing releases, what made Elden Ring so special, and how did it live up to the hype?
