Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition hits PCs in August using Games for Windows

By Ryan Fleming April 12, 2012

Prepare to suffer, PC fans! But in a good way. The death-friendly action title that hurt console fans so good, Dark Souls, will head to the PC on August 24. The PC version will be released as the Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition and feature a slew of new content.

The move to the PC comes as a direct result of fans demanding it. Originally Namco Bandai and developer From Software had no plans to bring the game to the PC at all, but a petition started by fans gained over 100,000 signatures and convinced the publisher and developer that there was a market for the game on PC.

The new content will include three new areas and four new bosses as of now—although there are still a few details being kept under wraps. The new content will focus on the character Arterius, who was mentioned but never seen in the console version.

There will also be a new PvP section, but it is meant as a bonus more than something that will attract gamers or be a real selling point.

All of the new material right now is planned only for the PC version, but it seems likely that the additional content will eventually make its way to the consoles as well. Namco Bandai won’t confirm that, but neither will they deny it.

Beyond the new content, the game will be identical to the console version. The graphics will be the same, and while it will accept keyboard controls, a controller is recommended.

But while it is a victory for fans, not everyone is happy. In a move that has already begun to anger some, the game will use Games for Windows Live (GFWL) for its DRM needs. The GFWL service has not exactly been beloved among PC gamers. The service has been called technically flawed at best, and broken at worst. In keeping with tradition, fans have already begun a petition asking Namco Bandai to use a different service like Valve’s Steamworks instead of GFWL. Can’t win ’em all.

Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition hits PC August 24.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…

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