Dark Souls Remastered proved that there’s still a strong market for the legacy Dark Souls games. With that in mind, the question that’s inevitable asked is whether From Software is considering a Demon’s Souls remaster. The answer to that question is a bit complicated, but within that complication there is also promise.
Demon’s Souls Remaster Possibility
Speaking in a recent interview with Game Informer, From Software president Hidetaka Miyazaki reminisced about his time with Demon’s Souls. The PS3-exclusive precursor to Dark Souls was a labor of love for Miyazaki, and it shows even today. However, Miyazaki also isn’t really interested in revisiting Demon’s Souls, and his reasoning seems valid:
“It’s like when you write – when you’re younger, you look back on [previous work] and you think ‘Oh, goodness what was I thinking.’ It’s not that I’m embarrassed, I just don’t like to look at my previous works.”
While Miyazaki’s comments derail any hope of a From-produced remaster, he says he’d be fine with another studio stepping in:
“If it was a studio that really loved the original work and really put their heart and soul into realizing it again, then that’s something I would enjoy. But it’s really complicated because I have these fond memories. Thinking about the idea of a remaster gives me kind of butterflies in my stomach and makes me a little nervous, so it’s complicated. But I understand there are many users and many players and fans out there who really love Demon’s, so if that’s something they could accomplish with a studio that loved the work, then yeah, I’d be okay with that.”
Sony Signing Off
Along with finding the right studio, dealing with Sony would be another hurdle to get over. Sony technically owns the publishing rights to Demon’s Souls so any sort of remaster would require its blessing as well. Still, even with a PS4 console restriction, there’d be a lot of demand for a Demon’s Souls remaster. Now here’s hoping From Software can find a suitable third-party studio to take on the job (and get Sony’s approval).
Meanwhile, From Software is currently gearing up for the release of its latest game, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Unlike From’s past games, Sekiro will feature a speaking protagonist and a purely single-player experience.