From Software has updated Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition on PC today to Steamworks, removing the game's dependency on Games for Windows Live for online functionality.

In a post on the Steam Community page, the developers revealed that the new update will move the game from GFWL to Steamworks and also provide an optional save mitigation for fans that have previously played the game. The mitigation service moves over all achievements and save data that a user may have, but will only be available from now until Feburary 16th. After February 16th, the game will only launch using Steamworks and any data you may have had will be lost, so make sure you convert it over while you can.

Note that when moving over to Steamworks, many mods for the game will likely cause your game to crash and you will likely need to disable them until they can be updated for compatibility with the new build. The popular DSfix that unlocks the game's 30FPS and the 1280 x 720 resolution limit has already been updated for use with the Steamworks version, but many others will need more time to compensate.

For instructions on how to migrate your save file or launch the new Steamworks version of Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edtion, check the following instructions From Software has provided:

CASE 1: If you already purchased Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition prior to December 15th, the following process will be available to February 16th for you to transfer your Save Data and Achievements.

For users who purchased a Game for Windows live version from a retailer (Disc) or Games for Windows Live Marketplace (Digital):

1) We recommend that you add Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die to your Steam account using your serial

2) Launch the game and connect to Games for Windows Live.

3) Run the game (only the currently signed-in user’s Save Data and Achievements can be transferred to Steam).

4) Close the Game.

5) Right click on your game in the Steam Library, go into Properties, check that the BETA tab is set to “dsptde-2.0-“

6) Launch Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition v2.0 from Steam

7) The game will look for previous Save Data and Achievements. If Save Data and Achievements are detected on your computer, you should be able to continue your progress in the game. Achievements should be unlocked in Steam.

For users who purchased a Game for Windows live version from Steam:

1) Launch the game and connect to Games for Windows Live.

2) Run the game (only the currently signed-on user’s progress can be transferred to Steam).

3) Close Games for Windows Live

4) Right click on your game in the Steam Library, go into Properties, check that the BETA tab is set to “dsptde-2.0-“

5) Launch Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition v2.0 from Steam

6) Sign in using the same live profile used in step-2 to import your Save Data and Achievements from the Games for Windows Live version to the Steam version for the same profile (gamertag)

7) The game will look for previous Save Data and Achievements. If they are detected on your computer, you should be able to continue your progress in the game and achievements should be unlocked in Steam.

CASE 2: For users who purchase Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition between December 15th and February 16th:

1) Once the game is downloaded, right click on your game in the Steam library, go into properties, check that the BETA tab is set to “dsptde-2.0-“

2) Launch Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition v2.0 from Steam.

CASE 3: For users who purchase Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition on or after February 16th (this will be the steam only version):

1) Launch Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition from Steam