Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ The Games, Movies, TV & Comics You Love
flag of UK
UK
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of Australia
Australia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
  • TV
  • Movies
  • Hardware
  • Video
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Deals
  • More
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • PC
    • Platforms
    • Tabletop Gaming
    • Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsletters
    • About us
    • Features
Total Film
Gaming Magazines
Gaming Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Subscribe from just £3
  • Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12
Subscribe now
Trending
  • Gamescom 2025 schedule
  • Gamescom
  • Battlefield 6
  • New Games for 2025
Don't miss these
Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls On top of The Duskbloods and Elden Ring: Nightreign, FromSoft is reportedly deep in development on a game that sleuths think is another Dark Souls remaster
A red, tired-looking, thick mech points its arm at a woman walking the other direction in a forest - all from a Beast of Reincarnation screenshot
Action Games Pokemon developer Game Freak's new "one-person, one-dog action RPG" looks like Nier and Sekiro had a gorgeous baby, and it's coming next year to PC, Xbox, and PS5
Dying Light The Beast: A screenshot of Kyle Crane in the upcoming game.
Open World Games Dying Light: The Beast – Everything we know so far
God of War
Action RPGs God of War director Cory Barlog's next big Sony Santa Monica game is reportedly "not a new IP but it might feel like one" – and where fellow PlayStation studio Naughty Dog pivoted to Intergalactic, it seems it's not sci-fi
The Duskbloods screenshot Switch 2
Action Games Everything we know about The Duskbloods
The Blood of Dawnwalker: A screenshot of the vampire Brencis holding up a crown during the trailer for the upcoming game.
RPGs The Blood of Dawnwalker: Everything we know so far
A Jazz singer during the trailer for the new game Stranger Than Heaven.
Games Stranger Than Heaven: Everything we know about the new Project Century game
Devil May Cry RPG veteran behind Devil May Cry and Dragon's Dogma wants his next game to combine "the best of everything he’s worked on," but does not want it to be a Soulslike
Marvel's Blade concept art by Sergey Kolesov and Jean-Luc Monnet showing Blade overlooking a quarantined Paris at night
Action Games Marvel's Blade: Everything we know so far
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet PS5 screenshot showing a Porche spaceship hovering outside the orbit of the planet Sempiria
Adventure Games Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet – Everything we know about the new Naughty Dog game
The Blood of Dawnwalker trailer showing the vampire Brencis growling while standing in a shadow.
RPGs The Blood of Dawnwalker's protagonist is "equally engaging, fun, and meaningful to play" in both his human and vampire forms, say the ex-Witcher 3 devs behind the RPG
Black Myth: Zhong Kui
Action RPGs Black Myth: Wukong dev announces new action RPG Black Myth: Zhong Kui, admits it's "little more than an empty folder at this stage" and it has "absolutely no idea" when it's coming out, then teases more Wukong to come
A screenshot of Kyle Crane on a rooftop in the upcoming PS5 game, Dying Light: The Beast.
Survival Horror Games "For us, it really is Dying Light 3": Techland admits Dying Light 2 "lost the horror, lost the tension," but says The Beast is "the best Dying Light that we have ever made"
Upcoming PC games 2025 header imagine featuring InZoi / Split Fiction / Elden Ring: Nightreign / Dune: Awakening
PC Gaming Upcoming PC games: New PC games for 2025 and beyond
Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe
Assassin's Creed Assassin's Creed Hexe: Everything we know about the new flagship AC game
  1. Games

What we know about Project Beast, the rumored next game by Dark Souls' developer

Features
By Ryan Taljonick published 6 May 2014

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Beast mode

Beast mode

Let's indulge in some rumors, shall we? Over the weekend, blurry images of what is supposedly FromSoftware's next game popped up on 4chan. And were immediately reposted on NeoGaf. Said images have an admittedly Dark Souls vibe to them, depicting a lone character in a dark world full of creatures that, presumably, want to kill him/her/it.

These images raise the question: What is it we're looking at here? Dark Souls 3? Demon's Souls 2? A new IP? Currently, we can't really prove or disprove any of these possibilities, and we have no way of knowing if these are even real screens--but for now, let's just assume they are. Perhaps by turning to the images themselves, and by examining the current rumors surrounding the game, we can piece together some idea of what's going on. Let's get started.

Page 1 of 10
Page 1 of 10
The current speculation

The current speculation

First, let's look at all the current rumors. According to the NeoGAF post, FromSoftware's next game, currently titled Project Beast, is a collaborative project with SCE Japan, which would make it a PS4 exclusive. The 4chan user who submitted the images mentioned that the main character wields a shotgun and fights enemies, and that text appeared in-game stating "This is a nightmare" (a tagline similar to Dark Souls' "Prepare to die").

Perhaps this game will be more of a horror experience that adopts the risk/reward sensibilities of the Demon's/Dark Souls franchises? That would be pretty awesome. Now, let's take a closer look at some of the screens.

Page 2 of 10
Page 2 of 10
The art looks legit

The art looks legit

Again, we have no way of knowing if these images are real or fake. But there's no denying that the art style looks very much in line with the somber aesthetic used by Demon's and Dark Souls.

Take this image, for instance: the main character appears to be walking through some dark catacombs, lit only by a few candles. These types of scenes appear very frequently in the various Souls games, and succeed in conveying a sense of isolation and hopelessness here as well.

Page 3 of 10
Page 3 of 10
Mutant dogs are a good sign

Mutant dogs are a good sign

Project Beast's scenery isn't its only feature that's indicative of FromSoftware's Souls franchise. Check out the eccentric nature of the hellish monsters on display in this image. They certainly look like something conceivably created by FromSoftware, as both the mutant dog and the ghoulish creatures behind it have the developer's signature grotesque design.

Even the main character (not pictured here) has a pretty interesting design with his shredded cloak and hat that looks like it was ripped straight from a Spaghetti Western. All of it, however, looks distinctly FromSoftware.

Page 4 of 10
Page 4 of 10
It apparently has fog gates

It apparently has fog gates

Out of all the available images for Project Beast, this is the only one with a direct allusion to the Souls games. The main character is standing in front of what can ONLY be a fog gate; perhaps this has become FromSoftware's trademark way of keeping you afraid of what lies beyond? Hmmm Wonder if we'll start seeing fog gates crop up in Armored Core games?

JUST KIDDING, C'MON.

Page 5 of 10
Page 5 of 10
The main character has a shotgun

The main character has a shotgun

The leaked post on NeoGAF makes it quite clear that the item in the main character's left hand is a shotgun. Obviously, this wouldn't make much sense in the context of a Demon's Souls or Dark Souls follow-up, unless we're looking at Dark Souls: Advanced Warfare.

Somehow, I suspect that's not the case. As I mentioned before, I'm guessing this is some sort of survival horror game. Or maybe it's just a badass action game. Guess we'll find out. Someday.

Page 6 of 10
Page 6 of 10
Is it really a collaborative project with SCE Japan?

Is it really a collaborative project with SCE Japan?

So, this is the big rumor that has a lot of people excited (well, except for Xbox One owners, I guess): FromSoftware is working with Sony Japan to develop the game. As a result, it will be available only on the PS4. I suspect that if this is the case, we'll likely hear official word about Project Beast either at this year's E3 or Tokyo Game Show.

Japanese publication Famitsu reached out to Sony regarding these rumors, and was told: "We have nothing to announce at this time." That's an expected reply if this is, in fact, a collaborative project. Otherwise, why wouldn't Sony outright deny the possibility?

Page 7 of 10
Page 7 of 10
Could it be Demon's Souls 2?

Could it be Demon's Souls 2?

Ehh Don't get your hopes up. It's true that Sony owns the rights to the Demon's Souls brand. It is also true that FromSoftware is the logical developer to make more games for said brand, and COULD have the option of doing so considering it's (allegedly) working alongside Sony Japan on Project Beast.

But making Demon's Souls 2 could also risk damaging FromSoftware's most valuable franchise: Dark Souls. The two are too closely aligned, separated only by name. What would make more sense is to branch off into a new IP, one that touts Dark Souls' biggest draw--the fantastically implemented risk/reward cycle--as its foundation.

Page 8 of 10
Page 8 of 10
Project Beast might have some big names behind it

Project Beast might have some big names behind it

You'll no doubt recall that when Dark Souls 2 was revealed, it was announced that Hidetaka Miyazaki, who directed both Demon's Souls and Dark Souls, would only be supervising the project. This led to a lot of concern about the future of Dark Souls, but it also made us wonder what Miyazaki was working on instead. My guess: Project Beast.

In fact several key developers from both Demon's Souls and the original Dark Souls weren't involved in the development of Dark Souls 2, as explained in this well-constructed thread on NeoGAF. Keep in mind that development teams shift around all the time, but it is possible Miyazaki brought some of his more trusted colleagues along with him to work on Project Beast.

Page 9 of 10
Page 9 of 10
Hungry for souls

Hungry for souls

What's your take on the leaked images? Do you think they're real? If so, do you suspect this will be a direct sequel to Demon's Souls or Dark Souls, or do you think it'll be a new property? Let us know in the comments below.

And if you're looking for more, check out If Hollywood actors actually looked like their awful video game renders and 10 technologies that vanished in sequels to your favorite games.

Page 10 of 10
Page 10 of 10
CATEGORIES
PS4 Platforms PlayStation
Ryan Taljonick
Ryan Taljonick
Social Links Navigation

Ryan was once the Executive Editor of GamesRadar, before moving into the world of games development. He worked as a Brand Manager at EA, and then at Bethesda Softworks, before moving to 2K. He briefly went back to EA and is now the Director of Global Marketing Strategy at 2K. 

See more Games Features
Read more
Dark Souls 3
On top of The Duskbloods and Elden Ring: Nightreign, FromSoft is reportedly deep in development on a game that sleuths think is another Dark Souls remaster
A red, tired-looking, thick mech points its arm at a woman walking the other direction in a forest - all from a Beast of Reincarnation screenshot
Pokemon developer Game Freak's new "one-person, one-dog action RPG" looks like Nier and Sekiro had a gorgeous baby, and it's coming next year to PC, Xbox, and PS5
Dying Light The Beast: A screenshot of Kyle Crane in the upcoming game.
Dying Light: The Beast – Everything we know so far
God of War
God of War director Cory Barlog's next big Sony Santa Monica game is reportedly "not a new IP but it might feel like one" – and where fellow PlayStation studio Naughty Dog pivoted to Intergalactic, it seems it's not sci-fi
The Duskbloods screenshot Switch 2
Everything we know about The Duskbloods
The Blood of Dawnwalker: A screenshot of the vampire Brencis holding up a crown during the trailer for the upcoming game.
The Blood of Dawnwalker: Everything we know so far
Latest in Games
A black dragon roaring with a manor house behind it and lighting in the sky during Skyrim.
Skyrim player marries a literal dragon with the help of a mod, giving "Dragonborn" a whole new meaning as he breaks the RPG and makes it run as "buggy as Oblivion"
Borderlands 4
Borderlands 4 can't even win in its own ads, as WWE has cosplaying wrestlers take the L in their own championship match
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty screenshots
CD Projekt Red is teasing something Cyberpunk 2077-shaped with a mysterious new message, and fans are desperately trying to work out if it could be sequel news, DLC, or something else entirely
Borderlands 4 screenshot shows someone holding a weapon forward towards the camera.
"We tend to commit to the bit": Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford talks Borderlands 4, the evolution of looter-shooters, and $80 game discourse
Infinity Nikki
Infinity Nikki devs "sincerely apologize" yet again – this time for "frustration and confusion" caused by furniture pricing, but at least we're getting freebies in return
Hideo Kojima in a screenshot from the Xbox and Bethesda 2022 showcase.
Hideo Kojima will give a "glimpse into future projects" at his "Beyond The Strand" anniversary event for Kojima Productions' 10th birthday this month
Latest in Features
Metal Gear Solid 5 showing Snake and Ocelot looking to the horizon in front of more soldiers
10 years later, Metal Gear Solid 5 remains a masterpiece that was never going to live up to its own hype
Dogtooth
The new Yorgos Lanthimos movie is getting rave first reactions out of Venice Film Festival, but I think it's worth revisiting his breakout feature Dogtooth before Bugonia hits theaters this fall
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Legacy of the Forge DLC showing Henry and two allies standing looking down
I built a home and ran a business in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's next DLC, and the added role-playing guarantees I'll spend another 70 hours in my current game of the year
D&D Player's Handbook laid out on a wooden surface
Will romantasy be the next great crossover for Dungeons & Dragons? Fourth Wing could be the perfect D&D setting, if you ask me
Jurassic Park: Survival
Jurassic Park: Survival has quietly been 35 years in the making, and it's taking us back to where it all began
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era artwork showing a beautiful fantasy city
Playing Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era has turned me into a Dungeon devotee, and I can't help but feel like I'm already seeing a strategy classic in the making
  1. Kaser clad in black and Victor in white clash swords in Lost Soul Aside
    1
    Lost Soul Aside review: "We (don't) have Final Fantasy Versus 13 at home"
  2. 2
    Hell is Us review: "The lack of waypoints and explicit objectives is a double-edged magical sword that pulls me deep into its harsh world"
  3. 3
    Shuten Order review: "The Danganronpa creator's new multi-genre mystery feels like a forgotten DS cult classic I would have been obsessed with"
  4. 4
    The Rogue Prince of Persia review: "I roguelike but don't roguelove this freerunner – there's just not enough to stand out"
  5. 5
    Shinobi: Art of Vengeance review: "So close to being to a pitch-perfect revival of a classic series, but just can't quite line up the killing blow"
  1. Jacob Elordi as the monster in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein
    1
    Frankenstein review: "A classy, if somewhat safe, adaptation"
  2. 2
    Weapons review: "A twisted fairytale that bests Barbarian"
  3. 3
    The Fantastic Four: First Steps review: "An occasionally thrilling heroic adventure that sits safely within a B-tier MCU range"
  4. 4
    Superman review: "A triumphant reinvention and a promising start for the DCU"
  5. 5
    Jurassic World Rebirth Review: "An unscary sequel that needed a little more time in amber"
  1. John Cena as Peacemaker holds a gun to the head of a different John Cena as Peacemaker in Peacemaker season 2.
    1
    Peacemaker season 2 review: "Darker and sadder than the first year, but there's still a lot of fun to be had with the 11th Street Kids."
  2. 2
    Wednesday season 2 part 1 review: "Complex and exciting but weighed down by too many subplots"
  3. 3
    Alien: Earth review: "Arguably the franchise's strongest outing since James Cameron's Aliens"
  4. 4
    King of the Hill season 14 review: "Hank Hill himself has evolved into a much more open and accepting person"
  5. 5
    Eyes of Wakanda review: "A creative premise shortchanged by the runtime and Marvel bloat"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...