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[SolsticeZero]

I don't see why Sony needs From Software to make a Demon's Souls 2. Granted it won't be "authentic" or what have you, but it doesn't mean it can't be a good game. And it's not like they'd be missing out on the Dark Souls series either.

At the very least there is clearly a market for the DS style gameplay, so all Sony has to do is make a game of the same style.

Exactly. The formula's been made. All Sony has to do is patent it, package it, slap it on a plastic lunchbox and before you know it they'll be selling it.

Hard to believe how stupid Sony was with the Demon's Souls IP. They chose to publish garbage like White Knight Chronicles instead. Then SCAMCO stepped in and the rest is history.

I secretly hope someone got fired for that. WKC was one of the most disappointing experiences I've had on the PS3.

 

[genjiZERO]

I don't see why Sony needs From Software to make a Demon's Souls 2. Granted it won't be "authentic" or what have you, but it doesn't mean it can't be a good game. And it's not like they'd be missing out on the Dark Souls series either.

At the very least there is clearly a market for the DS style gameplay, so all Sony has to do is make a game of the same style.

No they don't. But I'd be hella sceptical of any other firm doing it.

 

[SolsticeZero]

No they don't. But I'd be hella sceptical of any other firm doing it.

It'd be neat to see Santa Monica do something like it. At least that way the frame rate would be good

 

[Flachmatuch]

Hard to believe how stupid Sony was with the Demon's Souls IP. They chose to publish garbage like White Knight Chronicles instead. Then SCAMCO stepped in and the rest is history.

Can't really fault them. Level 5 made lots of great games too. WKC (although I do like the game, I'm not just a From fanboy but also an L5 one) seems to have been an aberration :-/ Really unlucky. I don't know what went wrong with it but they are a great developer too.

It'd be neat to see Santa Monica do something like it. At least that way the frame rate would be good

And the gameplay "streamlined" /o\. If Santa Monica's Demons Souls was to From's as GoW was to DMC/NG...well...

 

[Recall]

Demon Souls II: The Darkest of Souls

It would be kinda of cool and also weird for there to be a sequel to a game that already has a pseudo sequel in Dark Souls. Maybe it could focus on bosses where parties of people have to take them on like Monster Hunter and help Sony have its own take on the Monster Hunter style.

 

[SolsticeZero]

And the gameplay "streamlined" /o\. If Santa Monica's Demons Souls was to From's as GoW was to DMC/NG...well...

I dunno. Santa Monica is capable of so much more, they've just been stuck on God of War for a long while. I have no doubt they could convey an intense experience.

Besides, I just want more of the world of Boletaria.

 

[Rolf NB]

I don't see why Sony needs From Software to make a Demon's Souls 2. Granted it won't be "authentic" or what have you, but it doesn't mean it can't be a good game. And it's not like they'd be missing out on the Dark Souls series either.

At the very least there is clearly a market for the DS style gameplay, so all Sony has to do is make a game of the same style.

The point of a Demon's Souls 2 would be exclusivity on From's next game. If From doesn't make it, there's no point.

The only realistic way for this to happen if if From expands and Sony bankrolls an exclusive Vita game with a quick turnaround, while "main From" keeps working on multiplat projects.

 

[Flachmatuch]

I dunno. Santa Monica is capable of so much more, they've just been stuck on God of War for a long while. I have no doubt they could convey an intense experience.

Well, maybe they are. They're good at what they're doing. But my impression is that the Souls games absolutely need the FROM type refined gameplay more than Santa Monica's presentation qualities.

Besides, I just want more of the world of Boletaria.

I can understand that.

 

[LiK]

They could. Just give FROM the money

 

[Gadirok]

I secretly hope someone got fired for that. WKC was one of the most disappointing experiences I've had on the PS3.

I saw White Knight Chronicles 2 on Clearance for $10 a few months ago on a shelf. I was thinking about picking it up but decided not to. I mean I loved level 5 for Jeanne D'arc but given the negative reception to white knight chronicles...


To me, when I see White Knight Chronicles cover art I imagine a Demon's Souls like experience just from looking at it.

It seems to me Level 5 did some things differently.

I can imagine if White Knight Chronicles was more similar to Demon's Souls, it probably would have been a huge boost to PS3's esteemed library. Having a Demon's Souls and a White Knight Chronicles that play similarly but in completely different settings. One with a darker atmosphere, the other with a brighter one.


I wish Sony had more japanese studios or Japan Studio was larger to throw out more things and with the amount of work they do with other studios and collaborations, with enough experience maybe Demon's Souls II would have been possible without the help of FROM.

 

[Mogwai]

I'd have loved if we'd see a new "Souls game" for every iteration. Would have been a pretty cool concept if you ask me. Kinda like Tales of... series.
Demon Souls
Dark Souls
Death Souls
XYZ Souls... etc

I completely agree. But I'm afraid it would get corny at some point. Dark Souls is a great title. Sound badass.

I've just started Demon's Souls. I'm still trying to pronounce it fast. I don't know what to think of that you start at the beginning of each level when you die. I got to a dragon and it gave me a big one shot breath of fire

 

[ElfArmy177]

If dark souls 2 is current Gen... Has noone thought of demons souls 2 to be a ps4 exclusive???

 

[Freshmaker]

Yeah, this seems to be the only real reason, it isn't as if they could bring back some Demon Soul's mechanics and stuff into future Dark Souls games. Why do you guys want to fuck over PC/360 owners?

Mainly for more of these games from From.

Also, Demon's has its own mythos with some people may want to see further developed.

 

[reson8or]

Armored Core 15. Actually, I dunno, but he has directed Armored Core before. It'd be weird if they were working on two Souls games at the same time.

That'd be cool, but Armored core is so established, unless he brings something new to the table I'd think this was a step backwards for him and his talents.

I guess I secretly want him to be working in a spiritual successor to Shadow Tower Abyss.

 

[genjiZERO]

It'd be neat to see Santa Monica do something like it. At least that way the frame rate would be good

I's still be really scpetical. Besides I don't think the game can be done properly outside of Japan.

 

[sub_o]

Create an internal NeoGAF poll on whether or not gaffers will buy Demon's Souls 2 on day one.

Treat it as sample distribution, send it to Shuhei Yoshida.

 

[SmokedMeat]

I don't see why the ip should go to waste. It would be interesting if Sony could get a Demon's Souls sequel out that retained the look and feel of the title.

Whether another team of FROM did it or someone else, it's not like other developers taking on a franchise they didn't create is something new. Sometimes the results are just fine.

 

[Jotamide]

It would be cool if they made Demon Souls 2 a Vita game and kept the Dark games multiplat.

imokaywiththis.jpg

Also, a Demon's Souls enhanced Vita port including the 6th Arch Stone would make me buy a Vita.

 

[Izick]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uPRRIBjVbo

Dark Souls kicks too much ass; people have moved on to the "Dark" brand name. Sony likely could spend resources in better places than by just emulating a developer that does what they does very well.

 

[Robot Pants]

Dark Souls is demons souls 2.
Continuing both games would be very dumb.

 

[Deband]

Let's get on Miiverse and make it happen.

 

[Violater]

Dark Souls is not different enough from Demons Souls to give me reason to think that a Demons Souls 2 would somehow be even less similar.

My thoughts exactly.
Played Dark first now playing demon and there are so many things reused.

 

[Psycho_Mantis]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uPRRIBjVbo

Dark Souls kicks too much ass; people have moved on to the "Dark" brand name. Sony likely could spend resources in better places than by just emulating a developer that does what they does very well.

The brand name aint dark bro. Its Souls. Demons souls probably did 1 million on PS3 without expansions and on one platform.

Furthermore many people prefer demon's souls characters, lore, atmosphere and mechanics. The only thing I can be seeing implemented in Dark souls are the mechanics.

 

[Drek]

1. Dark Souls sold much better than Demon's. Not much else to say.

Sure, Demon's Souls laid the foundation, Dark Souls spring boarded from that to greater success. Obviously multi-plat helped, but a true Demon's Souls 2 likely would have sold far better than the first as well, just like Uncharted 2 and 3 destroyed Uncharted 1 in sales.

2. Maybe, but they're doing good with Namco and Namco would likely influence them to stay.

We don't know how well Namco are treating them and the only real influence they'd have is cash money.

3. Talk is cheap.

And Sony's long working relationship with FROM is not. Your point?

Wouldn't Namco be able to pay them more money because they can expect higher revenues? I just don't see how Sony could compete when Namco knows they have both a huge hit on their hands and a much larger market they can go after.

Namco needs a profit margin in there for it to be viable, Sony doesn't. Nintendo likely won't see substantial profit after paying off SEGA and funding Bayonetta 2, but they're still making it. How is that more viable for Nintendo than for multi-platform SEGA? Because Nintendo doesn't care if it makes money, they want it to sell systems.

Sony could use Demon's Souls in a similar fashion and Namco won't be able to win a bidding war against that. A guaranteed multi-million seller as an exclusive where you'd also own the IP and have a close partnership with the developer? Seems like a great time to drop an early generation cash bomb, doesn't it?

You ask me a Miyazaki led Demon's Souls 2 within the first 18 month window for the PS4 makes a TON of sense, since Namco Bandai has decided to push Dark Souls 2 out the door for this gen, leaving the next couple years open for a next gen Demon's Souls to steal the limelight.

 

[Soriku]

Sure, Demon's Souls laid the foundation, Dark Souls spring boarded from that to greater success. Obviously multi-plat helped, but a true Demon's Souls 2 likely would have sold far better than the first as well, just like Uncharted 2 and 3 destroyed Uncharted 1 in sales.


We don't know how well Namco are treating them and the only real influence they'd have is cash money.


And Sony's long working relationship with FROM is not. Your point?.

1. Would an exclusive Demon's Souls 2 sell better than a multiplat Dark Souls that's also on Xbox and PC? I doubt it.

2. Considering they've made Dark Souls 1 and are making Dark Souls 2 as well as another game under Namco, I'd say their relationship with them is pretty good these days.

3. Long working relationship with Sony? In the past couple years the only game they made for Sony was Demon's Souls. And they didn't even bother localizing it. Atlus had to pick up the slack in NA and Namco in EU. Now From is continuing the Souls series under Namco.

Btw, don't get me wrong though. I love exclusive games. lolz.

 

[famousmortimer]

FROM has multiple teams. But you're on the right path.


The OP actually hit the nail on the head. Most people focus on the first line about never selling IPs, but the real info is at the end


From Software is a very important business partner


We know that one team is making Dark Souls 2. And we know that Hidetaka Miyazaki is working on another project which hasn't been announced yet. And we know that FROM and Sony have had a very close relationship for years with many, many exclusive titles.

I'm trying to lead horses to water here...

 

[Psycho_Mantis]

1. Would an exclusive Demon's Souls 2 sell better than a multiplat Dark Souls that's also on Xbox and PC? I doubt it.

2. Considering they've made Dark Souls 1 and are making Dark Souls 2 as well as another game under Namco, I'd say their relationship with them is pretty good these days.

3. Long working relationship with Sony? In the past couple years the only game they made for Sony was Demon's Souls. And they didn't even bother localizing it. Atlus had to pick up the slack in NA and Namco in EU. Now From is continuing the Souls series under Namco.

1. Depends. DS sold 1.675 million without the expansion. DeS probably did 1million + considering it got a Greatest hits release in US. With decent marketing it can get pretty close.

3. Look at FROM's games. The vast majority are PS exclusives. I am sure they have some kind of relationship and as SY said they have been a partner for a long while.

DS2 staying last gen makes even more sense for Sony to make a next gen Souls game.

 

[Soriku]

1. Depends. DS sold 1.675 million without the expansion. DeS probably did 1million + considering it got a Greatest hits release in US. With decent marketing it can get pretty close.

3. Look at FROM's games. The vast majority are PS exclusives. I am sure they have some kind of relationship and as SY said they have been a partner for a long while.

DS2 staying last gen makes even more sense for Sony to make a next gen Souls game.

There are a lot of Japanese devs in particular that like making (Sony) exclusive games. Mainly because Sony platforms are where their fanbase is, not necessarily because of a Sony deal. I wouldn't look into it much though, especially when their flagship series at this point is multiplat.

If anything they'll move on to next gen with another multiplat game. But I'd still say kudos to Sony if they actually nabbed an exclusive due to some deal (something they don't normally do often). Again, I do like exclusives I just don't really expect it.

 

[Hindle]

The Souls series is gaining popularity. I think Dark Souls II will be a massive success for From Software. I seriously doubt they would want to go back to making exclusives when they're on the brink of the big time.

 

[HuntTheMusic]

Give Demon Souls 2 to a splinter team at From. Throw money at them. Make it a Vita exclusive so it doesn't step on the profitability or platforms of Dark Souls. Everyone wins.

 

[.GqueB.]

What would Demon's Soul 2 be that Dark Souls wasn't?

 

[Alcoholikaust]

For all intents and purposes Dark Souls was Demon's Souls 2.

nope

 

[Chuck Norris]

Exactly. The formula's been made. All Sony has to do is patent it, package it, slap it on a plastic lunchbox and before you know it they'll be selling it.



I secretly hope someone got fired for that. WKC was one of the most disappointing experiences I've had on the PS3.

Unfortunately that was partly our fault too. I remember how quickly gamers dismissed Demon's Souls as generic looking, in fact I even remember when it was a big exclusive reveal in Famitsu and everybody hyped it up only to be disappointed.

 

[Raide]

No, came on. I'm talking about making a true Demon's Souls, with all its points, but made by a top notch team from Sony WW studios.

I've said Santa Monica because I'm starting to get tired about the GOW series and they could fit in that type of game, but I don't care if it's done by Sony's Japan Studio

I am really unsure if another team could take an IP and actually make it better. Sure they could graphically make it better but they are sure to dumb it down just enough to appease the masses while annoying the hardcore fans.

I would like to see them do something outside of the combat side of things. I don't think they could make another combat game without dragging GoW stuff into it little by little. Might not be their fault but Sony would sure as hell want to keep reducing it down, which is the main fear with Dark Souls 2 and that is direct from the right developer.

 

[TheJollyCorner]

I think Sony will take advantage of the cult success of Demon's Souls (and now commercial and critical success of Dark Souls) and work on something with Miyazaki/FROM.

I also don't see them calling it Demon's Souls 2, as FROM might feel that it could be confused with Dark Souls 2- and rightfully so.

Most believable would be a subtitle, i.e. Demon's Souls- Destiny of Spirits (which Sony has trademarked the latter part: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=533073&highlight=destiny+of+spirits) if they plan to continue the history and lore of Demon's Souls. Something along those lines.

A next-gen exclusive sequel to Demon's Souls would be a hell of a feather in Sony's cap within the first year of PS4's release.

It's really up to FROM when it's all said & done. I would sincerely hope Sony wouldn't try milking the cow without the farmers around.
Then again, maybe Miyazaki could direct another team to tap into that Souls magic?

 

[BlackLagoon]

I'm trying to lead horses to water here...

So you're saying that Miyazaki is working on a exclusive horse breeding simulator for the PSP?

Spoiler

Armored Mare: For Water

.

 

[ArkkAngel007]

And what would be the benefit of this for FROM and the huge difference between it and Dark Souls? The gameplay that worked better in Demon's could easily return to its spiritual successor.

 

[Soriku]

Most believable would be a subtitle, i.e. Demon's Souls- Destiny of Spirits (which Sony has trademarked the latter part: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=533073&highlight=destiny+of+spirits) if they plan to continue the history and lore of Demon's Souls. Something along those lines..

This is a SCEA trademark.

 

[TheJollyCorner]

This is a SCEA trademark.

just an example, friend.
Obviously that trademark could be anything.

 

[Sponge]

Didn't they sell Crash/Spyro to Activision?

Uh, no?

Sony never owned Crash and Spyro to begin with. Universal did.

 

[H_Prestige]

What would Demon's Soul 2 be that Dark Souls wasn't?

Completely different story and aesthetic. Otherwise exactly the same.

 

[sixteen-bit]

that 2mil+ audience

 

[Psycho_Mantis]

Completely different story and aesthetic. Otherwise exactly the same.

There are numerous gameplay mechanics that were different in Demons souls.

 

[jwhit28]

I'm not sure how you can say From is a very important business partner and then replace them and release a Demon Souls sequel without burning bridges.

 

[ArkkAngel007]

Completely different story and aesthetic. Otherwise exactly the same.

It's not that much different from what I've seen so far, and some would argue that Dark Souls II has a different aesthetic from Dark Souls.

Not sure where everyone is getting the thought that a Souls game will sell gangbusters. Maybe in relation to its limited appeal, but I can't see it going further than a high prediction of 3 mil in it's lifetime. A PS4 exclusive would be lucky to get to 1 million in the first few years, depending on how the system does in the current market with an equal competitor and plenty of late adopters.

Sony would have to see how well their system does before they put money into something that the makers would likely want to see on other systems with better returns. Just because Sony pays the studio doesn't mean that everyone gets paid if things go to shit.

 

[Stripper13]

It's a joke - there's no way people can actually believe that Demon souls was different enough from dark souls, the deserve its own branch of the franchise?
Different lore, characters, and a hub system. That's it. Everything else is exactly the same.
Stop doing this to yourselves. Sony don't want to touch the franchise, and From have moved on to Dark Souls.
As for the Sony/From relationship, I think they have a good relationship in spite of the Demon souls/dark souls games. There's nothing that should lead you to believe that they're secretly planning in the background to continue the demon souls name, as a next gen title, while a full blown dark souls 2 game is bring developed.

 

[.GqueB.]

Completely different story and aesthetic. Otherwise exactly the same.

I don't think they are different enough to warrant a separate series. Aesthetically I can't call out many differences that are actually notable and the stories aren't exactly in the forefront for either so it would be all about the lore which you have to kind of dig for anyways. They really aren't distinct enough.

Sounds like a complete waste of time and resources. I'm not clamoring to find out what happens next (because I barely care about what happened the first time) and there's nothing I missed from Demon's Soul other than the "worlds" since I'm not really a fan of open world games.

 

[H_Prestige]

There are numerous gameplay mechanics that were different in Demons souls.

Do you honestly think From would go back to a hub world? Soul form and hollow form have the same function. Item burden and world tendency were removed because they sucked.

 

[Guevara]

I'm not sure how you can say From is a very important business partner and then replace them and release a Demon Souls sequel without burning bridges.

Exactly the point

 

[.GqueB.]

There are numerous gameplay mechanics that were different in Demons souls.

Numerous things that were improved upon. I don't think it had anything to do with the "world". What's missing that was exclusive to the world of Demon Souls that deserves another game?