Author George R. R. Martin recently received an honorary doctorate from his local alma mater, Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, and was interviewed by the Chicago-based network WTTW News. The content included the impact of "Game of Thrones" on his life, his thoughts on the half-century that has passed since he studied here, and, most interesting to us all, details about his involvement with the Elden Ring.

Martin was asked about how being involved in video games as opposed to being a writer of fantasy fiction is different. 'It's actually quite different,' he said. 'I've played a few video games. But this game is called 'Elder.' But the game is called 'Elden Ring,' and it's a sequel to a game called 'Dark Souls' that was released in Japan a few years ago."

Anyway, it's nice to see that the big George basically admitted what everyone noticed when they saw the trailer: the Elden Ring was always envisioned as the next step after Dark Souls.

"I actually started working on this game many years ago. These games are like movies and take a long time to develop," Martin continues. A major element of fantasy and science fiction has been the need for world-building." Tolkien's Middle-earth, Robert E. Howard's Hyborian period, and Isaac Asimov's Foundation worlds.

The trailer for "The Elden Ring" had some questioning where Martin's influence would be found, but the answer would obviously be "everywhere." Nevertheless, From Software has made it clear that while they occasionally provide bits and pieces of information to Martin, in other respects, Martin has had little involvement in the development of the game.

"I built up a fairly detailed background for them, and they took it from there. But they would come in on a regular basis and show me monsters they had designed, the latest special effects, cool stuff."

What can I say, you and I both, Martin? While you wait, console yourself with a huge infodump about this game.