Dark Souls 2 release on next-gen was discussed, new engine nixes frame rate issues

From Software had discussed bringing Dark Souls 2 to next-gen platforms, but decided current-gen had a larger demand for it.

Speaking with CVG, producer Yui Tanimura said if the game had been developed for next-gen, it would have taken longer to get the game in people's hands.

"We wanted to deliver something to fans as soon as possible," he said. "We still feel there's potential and ability for us to express a little bit more than what we did with Dark Souls, even on current-gen consoles. We hope to stay on current consoles, but express a little bit more, and elaborate on what we were able to communicate with Dark Souls.

"Right now there's no intent to have Dark Souls on next-gen."

Tanimura also said that the new game engine created for the title should all but stamp out any frame rate issues inherent in the previous titles, and was created specifically to address the issue.

Dark Souls 2 is expected on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 in late 2013 or early 2014.

New screens are through here and a cinematic trailer here.