FromSoftware Declined Sony for Dark Souls After Disappointment with Demon's Souls Treatment

Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida reveals that Sony's mishandling of Demon's Souls led FromSoftware to seek a new publishing partner for Dark Souls.

FromSoftware opted not to work with Sony on Dark Souls due to dissatisfaction with how Demon's Souls was handled, particularly its limited Western release.
Sony initially decided against publishing Demon's Souls globally, citing negative early playtests and its niche appeal, leading Atlus and Bandai Namco to take over publishing in the US and Europe respectively.
Shuhei Yoshida, former PlayStation boss, admitted Sony underestimated Demon's Souls' potential, calling their decision a significant mistake.
The success of Demon's Souls outside Japan, driven by third-party publishers and later by streamers, highlighted Sony's missed opportunity.
Sony has since reconciled with FromSoftware, collaborating on Bloodborne and publishing the Demon's Souls PS5 remake, while also investing in FromSoftware's parent company.