The asynchronous multiplayer in Demon's Souls helped make Atlus' 2009 PS3 exclusive a cult hit. And now it's going away forever.
The online component of From Software's first Souls game let players enter the adventures of other users to help or hinder their battles against the game's notoriously brutal enemies. Being able to grief or aid others via hints or indirect intervention created a loyal community of players who continued to play even after the sequel Dark Souls came out last year. Atlus VP of sales and marketing Tim Pivnicny sent Game Informer a goodbye note where he said:
It has been a tremendous honor and privilege for all of our staff at ATLUS to have been involved with so innovative and groundbreaking an interactive entertainment experience. We poured our heart and soul into every facet of our involvement with Demon's Souls, particularly the title's memorable Deluxe Edition, which served as the only avenue through which to purchase the game's official strategy guide. It was also of the utmost importance for us to sustain the game's online experience as long as possible, even beyond the point at which sales could help to offset the expense. Regrettably, the online servers cannot be sustained forever and now the end draws near.
Two more World Tendency events will be held next month and the publisher's encouraged Demon's Souls players to log on before the May 31st final shutdown. Perhaps there's some sort of parting gift in the offing?
Demon's Souls Going Offline End Of May [Game Informer]