2. FromSoftware Games and Merchandise Archive | FROM ITEM ARCHIVE
Case 02 / Fan archive concept site
Bring a world you loved
into your everyday life.
An unofficial fan archive of books, music, figures, and apparel related to FromSoftware games. Starting with memories of the games, I designed a path from exploring by title or category to understanding each product and visiting an external retailer. The concept, “Keep that world close,” became both an expression of the games’ atmosphere and an interactive website.
01 / Concept in practice
Bring a world you loved into your everyday life.
Starting from a personal interest in FromSoftware games, I built an unofficial fan archive for discovering related books, music, figures, and apparel.
- The concept is “Keep that world close,” connecting memories of a game with objects to keep in everyday life.
- Bring the atmosphere of the games, information categories, product details, and retailer links into one experience.
- Led concept development, visual and information design, and implementation.
02 / World-building
Recall the world you loved before looking for a product.
Dark backgrounds, large serif typography, and title-specific imagery create an entry point into a world visitors remember.
- Switch between imagery from ELDEN RING, DARK SOULS, Bloodborne, and other titles.
- Separate custom atmospheric backgrounds from real product images on detail pages.
- Provide controls to pause or resume the automatic rotation and stop page motion.
03 / Start with a game
Make a favorite game the first clue.
Visitors can discover items through a memorable game even when they do not know what product they want.
- Start with one of five series: ELDEN RING, DARK SOULS, Bloodborne, ARMORED CORE, or SEKIRO.
- Choose a direction through short descriptions and imagery for each series.
- Browse books, music, models, and goods across all the listed series.
04 / Categories and meaning
Connect what to buy with how you want to enjoy it.
Alongside category names, explain how each item can be enjoyed: reading, listening, displaying, or using in everyday life.
- Books and reference materials help visitors explore a game’s world and its details.
- Music brings back a moment; figures and models keep a favorite character close.
- Apparel and goods bring memories of a game into everyday life.
05 / Search and filtering
After entering the world, choose your own search criteria.
Help visitors who start with a game narrow down to specific items using keywords, categories, and sorting.
- Search by product name or keyword, then filter by category.
- Sort by newest or oldest release date, product name, and other options.
- Show the result count and a clear control to reset filters.
06 / Product information
Read product facts alongside their connection to the game.
For the Alexander mug, start with the idea of a moment to pause, then explain its materials, dimensions, and care restrictions.
- Connect memories of a game or character to the time spent with an item.
- Organize the maker, format, materials, dimensions, release and restock details, and JAN code.
- Surface important details such as whether an item is microwave- or dishwasher-safe.
07 / Connecting to retailers
Learn about an item, verify the details, then visit a retailer.
After learning about a product in the archive, visitors can continue to Amazon, Rakuten, or Yahoo! Shopping.
- Use the JAN code in retailer search links to help locate the same item.
- Disclose affiliate links alongside the retailer options on the same screen.
- Final checks on price, stock, and terms—and the purchase itself—take place on the external retailer’s site.
08 / Editorial standards and trust
Turn enthusiasm into information people can verify.
Clearly identify the site as an unofficial fan archive, with separate standards for atmosphere and product verification.
- Prioritize official manufacturer and publisher sources, and distinguish announcements, preorders, releases, and restocks.
- AI assists with discovery and drafting; the operator reviews items before publication.
- Do not invent first-hand reviews of unused products; keep items with insufficient information in draft.