Interest

Namco Bandai Hosts Dark Souls II Shield Design Contest

Namco Bandai Games is again hosting a shield design contest for its Dark Souls II action role-playing game. The company launched the contest on Monday on the game's official Facebook page.

Those interested in participating in the contest must first "Like" the Facebook page. Contestants can then download a template to create up to three original designs and submit them between now and May 13. Fans can also vote on submitted designs between now and May 20. From Software's development team will then vote on the top 30 submissions, and will choose six designs that will be included in the game itself. Namco Bandai Games will announce the winners at San Diego Comic Con in July.

Winners will receive a copy of Dark Souls II signed by the development team, and will also be credited in the game.

Namco Bandai Games hosted a similar shield design contest for the first Dark Souls game in 2011.

From Software revealed Dark Souls II at Spike TV's Video Game Awards in December. The game is a sequel to 2011's Dark Souls action role-playing game for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. From Software had previously developed the Armored Core franchise and Demon's Souls game, for which the Dark Souls games serve as a "spiritual sequel."

From Software will release Dark Souls II on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC platforms as a joint development with Namco Bandai Games.