From Software and Bandai Namco reveal that a bug that causes Dark Souls 3 to crash has been found, and a patch should be ready by the game's release date.

Dark Souls III will release next week, and the developer is still hard at work making sure that release goes off without a hitch. According to a new press release, a major bug has been discovered that should be patched before the game is available worldwide.

According to the announcement, a specific glitch that makes console versions of Dark Souls III crash has been discovered. The glitch is triggered when players walk over a "certain number" of summon signs while the game is connected to the internet. The bug is only affecting players who have the most recent patch for the game, but FromSoftware and Bandai Namco Entertainment are attempting to find a fix before the game is released to the public. In the meantime, the rep stated that the problem can be circumvented by changing the game's settings to offline mode.

It's unclear whether or not Japanese players who gained access to the game on March 24th are also experiencing this glitch. If so, players who went against Bandai Namco's wishes and played the international version of Dark Souls III before the western release, may have helped to uncover this problematic glitch before the game makes its way to the western market.

Unfortunately, this patch is coming too late for those who received an early copy of Dark Souls III. Numerous outlets have reported crashes during both the console and PC versions of the game. While it's unfortunate that Dark Souls III reviewers were provided with a glitchy product, it's a good thing that the developer is trying to get it fixed before the game is available to consumers.

There has been plenty of hype on the way to Dark Souls III's release, including some truly bizarre promotional efforts. Dark Souls III has seen a trailer using a Cyndi Lauper tune, as well as a U.K.-only hot wing eating contest offering Dark Souls III rewards to the victor. While these are definitely odd marketing choices, the game isn't a slouch, and has mostly earned high marks from critics. Between the ratings and the promotions, it's no wonder that many western players weren't willing to wait for the western release of the game.

Bandai Namco has just five days to complete the patch that will fix this game-breaking glitch. While it's unlikely that they won't meet the deadline, at the very least, gamers won't have to tolerate the bug for very long and know what to avoid if the patch isn't released before the game hits store shelves.

Dark Souls III will release on April 12th for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.