Sony’s Missed Opportunity: How Overlooking Demon’s Souls Led FromSoftware to Seek New Partnerships

In the late 2000s, FromSoftware, a modest Japanese game developer, was crafting a unique action role-playing game titled Demon’s Souls. This game, known for its challenging gameplay, was initially met with skepticism. Shuhei Yoshida, then a prominent figure at PlayStation, recounted his early experience with the game. He spent about two hours playing it but found himself still at the starting point. Frustrated, he dismissed the game, labeling it as ‘unbelievably bad.’ This sentiment wasn’t isolated; many within Sony underestimated the game’s potential.

Due to this lack of confidence, Sony decided against publishing Demon’s Souls in Western markets. Instead, Atlus took the initiative to release the game in the United States, while Bandai Namco brought it to European audiences. Contrary to Sony’s expectations, Demon’s Souls garnered significant acclaim and established a dedicated fanbase, laying the groundwork for what would become the ‘Souls-like’ genre.

Recognizing the game’s success, FromSoftware began developing a spiritual successor, Dark Souls. Remembering their previous experience with Sony, particularly the company’s reluctance to support Demon’s Souls, FromSoftware chose to collaborate with Bandai Namco for the global release of Dark Souls. Yoshida later admitted that Sony ‘definitely dropped the ball from a publishing standpoint’ and failed to recognize the value of the product they had.

In the years that followed, FromSoftware’s reputation soared with titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and the award-winning Elden Ring. Observing this success, Sony reevaluated its relationship with the developer. The company not only published the Demon’s Souls Remake for the PlayStation 5 but also acquired a majority stake in FromSoftware’s parent company, Kadokawa. This move signified Sony’s commitment to fostering a stronger partnership and ensuring future collaborations.

Reflecting on the past, it’s evident that initial misjudgments can lead to missed opportunities. However, Sony’s efforts to mend its relationship with FromSoftware demonstrate the company’s willingness to learn and adapt. As fans, we can look forward to more innovative and challenging games emerging from this renewed alliance.