It’s taken a while, but game publishers have finally come back around to the realization that gamers really are gluttons for punishment. Where early games such as Mega Man and Metroid were difficult and took many hours to master and beat, newer games generally provide players a clear run to the ending with plenty of nice content to experience along the way.

Demon’s Souls, however, brought back the frustration of early gaming. The game won many awards and glowing reviews despite its high level of difficulty. And though its successor, Dark Souls, has claimed the recent spotlight, many gamers still consider Demon’s Souls to be the superior game.

With that in mind, Atlus today announced that Demon’s Souls will soon be available for download through the PlayStation Network. Starting Tuesday, January 8, U.S. PlayStation 3 owners will be able to purchase the digital version of the game for $20.

As a celebratory gesture, Atlus is holding what it calls the “Pure White World Tendency” event from January 8 to 14. The event “slightly reduces the difficulty of the game and opens up a few things that can only be accessed in the Pure White state.” Lowering the difficulty, even just a little, doesn’t seem to be in the spirit of the Souls games, but it could certainly ease-in newcomers who have been coddled by the blockbuster games released this past holiday season.

Speaking of the holiday season, Valve’s Steam Holiday Sale is still going strong, and Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition is half-off until 1 pm EST tomorrow, January 4.