So Dark Souls 2 is officially a thing, as publisher Namco confirmed tonight during the annual Video Game Awards on Spike TV. While the game has no solid release date yet, it will be out for current gen platforms -- Xbox 360 and PS3 -- as well as PC. Here's hoping that the PC version gets proper treatment this time.

Dark Souls 2 will feature an entirely new hero, storyline, and world for players to explore (and die in). Server-based multiplayer is returning as well, so you're free to work with or troll other players in this harsh new land. We don't recommend the latter, but hey, we can't tell you to not be a jerk.

Namco Bandai's VP of Marketing Carlson Choi officially stated:

“Dark Souls II retains the core essence of Dark Souls while evolving to present new twists and challenges that are sure to please longtime fans and attract new comers to the series. FromSoftware is going to take a very dark path with Dark Souls II; players will need to look deep within themselves to see if they have the intestinal fortitude to embark on this journey.”

FromSoftware's Tomohiro Shibuya, director of Darks Souls II, promises players that the studio will be expanding "the scope of the world in which the player interacts with the game." The developer has issued a promise to remain true to the roots of the series.

Announcement trailer - YouTube