A recently translated interview with Miyazaki, FROM studio's boss and Dark Souls director, suggests number 3 is it for the series, with the team already working on an all new game.
Obviously, with all translations there’s room for error but the message for Dark Souls seems clear with Miyazaki saying, “there’s absolutely no plan right now for any sequels, spin-offs or tie-ins. What is certain for now is, to me personally, Dark Souls is over. So rather than make another sequel, I think it’s time we take a step to a new direction. Development of a new IP has already begun”.
No idea what that new game is yet (rumour has it Miyazaki really wants to make a more ordinary and linear story-based thing for change). And, while he seems pretty set on no follow ups for the time being, there’s still just a hint of life for the series: “I can’t say for certain the possibility is 0%”.
However, any new game in the series will likely be handled by someone else. “If a FROM Software developer came to me five years from now and begged ‘please let me make another Dark Souls‘. Then I will not rule out the possibility to let my subordinates start a new project”.
It’s not completely over just yet either, with the first DLC due in Fall and a second one now dated for ‘early 2017’.
