FromSoftware has made a name for itself in the gaming world by pioneering an entire genre known unofficially, though affectionately, as Soulsborne, in large part through theDark Soulsfranchise. Although the exact parameters of this genre are slightly ambiguous, particularly as it relates toSekiro: Shadows Die Twice’sinclusion in the category, Soulsborne games such asDark Soulsare largely characterized by linear action-RPG gameplay with interconnected level design and notoriously challenging boss fights.
Of the six main FromSoftware titles developed in the decade betweenDemon’s Souls’releasein 2009 toSekiro’sin 2019, half of them exist within a trilogy.Dark Souls,Dark Souls 2, andDark Souls 3are the only Soulsborne games to receive sequels despite frequent calls for the studio to makeDemon Souls 2,Sekiro 2, andmost notably,Bloodborne 2. In the years since the trilogy’s conclusion, then, it is no wonder that many have been asking why FromSoftware has so far avoided sequels for its other incredibly popular titles and what possible sequels for its three standalone games could look like.
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Dark Souls Is Not The Only FromSoftware Series with Sequels
It is easy to forget that FromSoftware has a robust catalog of games predating 2009’sDemon’s Souls, the first entry in the studio’s unofficial “Soulsborne” category. Theannouncement ofArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconat the 2022 Game Awards brought more attention to FromSoftware’s production history. Notably the studio’s earlier IPs, such asKing’s Field,Echo Night, andArmored Core, featured multiple games in their respective franchises.
It is not out of the realm of possibility for Soulsborne games to receive sequels, since FromSoftware has a long history of adding multiple titles to existing series. However, it must be noted that the studio was under different direction when these sequels were being added.Hidetaka Miyazaki took the helm withArmored Core 4as his directorial debut in 2006. WithDemon’s Soulscoming out only a few years after, and FromSoftware primarily focusing on its Soulsborne catalog, it seems making sequels for the sake of sequels is not within Miyazaki’s development philosophy.
Dark Souls’ Lore Lends Itself To Sequels
Thestory of theDark Soulstrilogyexplores themes of life, death, and the cost of needlessly holding onto a dying world.Each game shows how the successive ages of fire don’t revitalize the world but rather drag it out endlessly. The state of the world fromDark SoulstoDark Souls 3feels undead, and stretching the story across three titles does a lot of work to create this effect.
With that said, it must be stated that FromSoftware explores similar themes and world design throughout all of its Soulsborne games. In fact, players new to FromSoftware games could be forgiven for thinkingtheDark Soulstrilogyis the actual official sequel toDemon’s Souls. With strikingly similar world design and the seeds of Soulsborne’s trademark gameplay noticeable throughout,Demon’s Soulsis a clear spiritual predecessor toDark Souls, if not all Soulsborne games.
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The Possibilities of Sequels for Bloodborne and Sekiro
Some of the most passionate calls for a sequel are directed towardBloodborne. Although at least one of thethree possible endings inBloodborneleaves room for more time in Yharnam, the other two don’t really. Moreover,Bloodborne’s story more or less begins at the end of its world. The vast majority of the citizens of Yharnam have already turned into beasts and the degenerative properties of blood ministration, which players use to heal, are largely inevitable. There is a marked sense of hopelessness and decay throughout the game, and it could be argued that these themes are essential to the story. Adding a sequel could run the risk of damaging the overall story.
Of course, there are practical obstacles to a sequel well.Bloodborneis a PlayStation-exclusive game, and although there have long been calls to release the game on PC or other consoles, these have yet to come to fruition. Negotiations about whether aBloodbornesequel would also be PlayStation-exclusive are no doubt a significant roadblock, and with the success ofElden Ringbringing in more fans of FromSoftware games, the studio may fear alienating its newfound audiences.
The inclusion ofSekiroin the Soulsborne category has been debated since its release. It is one of the more unique FromSoftware games in terms of gameplay and subject matter, and for that reason could make the best case for a sequel. Additionally, it is known that FromSoftware was already developingElden RingwhenSekirowas released, so it could easily just be too early to tell if it will receive a sequel.
While FromSoftware has not shut down the possibilities of sequels forDemon’s Souls, Bloodborne,andSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, fans and gamers can at least be certain that the studio will probably not rush into any game development too quickly. With theElden RingDLC still unannounced andArmored Core 6likely to take up most of the studio’s attention for the near future, the best Soulsborne fans can do is wait patiently.
Dark Soulsis available now for PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
