Dark Souls PC to remain 'fully functional' on GFWL, Namco looking at other services

The Windows PC version of From Software's Dark Souls will "remain fully functional on [Games for Windows Live] for the foreseeable future," according to publisher Bandai Namco, as the developer looks to other services for continued support of the game's online features.

"With the release of Dark Souls II, many players have been asking questions about the continued support of Dark Souls I," Bandai Namco Games said on its official Tumblr. "Dark Souls will remain fully functional on GFWL for the foreseeable future. Bandai Namco Games is currently seeking avenues to continue support and ensure the functionality of Dark Souls on other services."

The publisher says it will provide more details on Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition in the coming months.

Microsoft, which launched Games for Windows Live in 2007, said in a support update last year that the online service would be discontinued July 1, 2014, putting online features of dozens of games at risk. The company quickly pulled that notice, but developers using Games for Windows Live have since transitioned off the service to Valve's Steam platform.

In March, Microsoft's Phil Spencer said an update on the company's PC gaming plans and Games for Windows Live was forthcoming.

"You will get a clear answer from us very soon," Spencer said at the time. "We have a longer term plan for multiplayer gaming and marketplace on Windows. We understand what we have today in market ... isn't great. We do understand there's some continuity of getting from where we are to where we want to be [and] that shutting the lights off [on Games for Windows Live] isn't exactly the right thing to do.

"We've got to make sure we've got a thoughtful plan that supports the people that currently have games on Games for Windows Live. It's a conversation we're having."

Spencer warned there "might be some transition bumps, getting from here to there," as Microsoft redefines its PC gaming efforts.