FromSoftware initially had no interest in developing a continuation of *Demon’s Souls* with Sony, citing dissatisfaction with how the first game was marketed. This revelation came from former PlayStation director Shuhei Yoshida, who shared insights into the dynamics between the company and the development studio.
Background and Development History
*Demon’s Souls* was a project born from the collaboration between FromSoftware and Sony Japan Studio. The game was initially slated for a worldwide release under the Sony brand. However, this plan changed, as Sony did not perceive the game as having global appeal, largely due to its notorious difficulty and negative feedback from early tests.
Consequently, Sony chose not to localize *Demon’s Souls* for the English-speaking market. In the United States, the game was published by Atlus, while Bandai Namco handled the European release. Despite these setbacks, *Demon’s Souls* gained a considerable following outside Japan, achieving success that was initially underestimated by its publishers.
The Rift Between FromSoftware and Sony
In an interview on the Sacred Symbols podcast, Yoshida elaborated on how Sony had hoped to continue working with FromSoftware on a sequel. However, the studio declined, ultimately deciding to collaborate with Bandai Namco on *Dark Souls*. Yoshida explained, “FromSoftware was already working on a sequel, but they were extremely disappointed by how PlayStation treated them.” This decision marked a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two entities, influencing the direction of future projects.
Despite this early fallout, Sony later joined forces with FromSoftware for the development of *Bloodborne* for the PlayStation 4, a game that became a hallmark of the PlayStation ecosystem. Yoshida, reflecting on *Demon’s Souls*, acknowledged that Sony had failed to recognize the potential of the title during its initial release. He shared his personal experience, stating, “When I first played *Demon’s Souls*, I thought it was a bad game.” This sentiment, however, would change as the game’s impact on the gaming landscape became undeniable.
The Legacy of *Demon’s Souls*
Today, *Demon’s Souls* is considered a classic of its genre, often regarded as the origin of the now-famous “Souls-like” subgenre. The game has amassed a dedicated fanbase and remains a foundational title in modern gaming, inspiring a slew of challenging and intricate games that followed. Its success story, from an initial underestimation to its current revered status, highlights the often unpredictable nature of the gaming industry.
Source: Sacred Symbols Podcast