Dark Souls 3 gets April 2016 release date in EU and North America on PS4, Xbox One and PC

From Software and Bandai Namco have confirmed that Dark Souls 3 will be released in Europe and North America in April 2016, a little later than Japan where the game will be released on 24 March. No specific date was given for the anticipated sequel.

South America, Australasia, Africa and the Middle East will also be able to get their hands on the PS4, Xbox One and PC game in April. Namco Bandai offered no reason for the disparity between release dates. The public beta test (which they're calling a "Network Stress Test" is also coming to the West. Users can sign up here).

The announcement was made during this year's Tokyo Game Show in Japan, where at Sony's PlayStation press conference a new trailer (below) was shown off for the first in the celebrated action RPG series to be made specifically for current-gen consoles.

It has been a busy show for From Software, who also announced the first expansion for Souls-esque PS4 instant classic Bloodborne during Sony's media event. Called The Old Hunters, the pack will be released in November ahead of a special edition version including the original game and new content combined.

Dark Souls 3 was announced during Microsoft's E3 press conference in June and appears – based on the thoughts of those who have played Souls 3 – that the game has taken inspiration from Bloodborne while still retaining its distinctive Dark Souls roots.

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