Demon's Souls to Shut Down Online Services

It's been nine years since Demon's Souls was introduced to the world. The first game from From Software in a series that would grow to eventually be one of the most iconic titles in video games will soon be shutting down online services.

Demon's Souls, the punishing and unforgiving RPG for the PlayStation 3, will have its online components shut down on February 28 of next year. Specifically at 3 AM ET in America (5 PM in Japan).

The announcement was made today by Sony Interactive, with the English Twitter account for Dark Souls confirming it in a wholesome goodbye.

"After 9 years of reoccurring deaths and frustrations, but just as many triumphs of dedication, Demon's Souls online servers will terminate on February 28, 2018. Play online one last time, and share with us your best Demon's Souls moment!"

Demon's Souls' online functionality was an important but indirect part of the game. Players could either summon other players via callsigns on the ground to come and assist them in defeating the boss of an area. Alternatively, other players could invade your world as an evil spirit, with the sole goal of defeating your character. Other features include seeing ghostly recreations of other players in their last moments before death, as well as messages written out by other players on the ground to guide (or trick) the player.

The online services were originally planned to shut down 5 years ago, but after "a number of developments," they managed to keep them going until now.

The game is still a full and complete experience without online functionality. My sympathies to all those who loved Demon's Souls as much as I have.