This year marks the 60th birthday of influential fantasy and sci-fi writer Michael Moorcock’s literary character Elric, last emperor of the island-kingdom of Melniboné.

In conjunction with the anniversary of the dark fantasy epic Swedish IP developer Runatyr have acquired the rights to produce a narrative action computer game that will be based on the first six books of the Elric saga.

The video game, titled Elric of Melniboné will be the first audio visual adaptation of the originating epic tale of dark fantasy that has had an immense influence on the genre as a whole and IPs such as Warhammer, The Witcher, Game of Thrones and House of The Dragon in particular.

Developed in a collaborative effort by senior developers behind titles such as Vermintide, War of The Roses and Fable, between Runatyr, Swedish development collective Aurora Punks and UK based studio Upstream Arcade.

“Elric is my favorite fantasy character and it feels absolutely amazing that Elric will finally come to life in a video game.” says Yasin Hillborg, creative director at Runatyr. Michael Moorcock is said to have taken a liking to the narrative presented as the story told within the game and will take part in the development.

On the subject of a video game adaptation of Michael Moorcock’s iconic hero the writer has this to say, "For many years I have looked forward to seeing Elric translated into a state of the art video game and at last it looks as if Runatyr are going to bring that dream to fruition! I am sure they will make the best game possible!"

Elric Of Melniboné is planned for a 2024 release on PC and consoles.