Over on 4Gamer, there's a juicy interview with Dark Souls director Hidetaka Miyazaki regarding a variety of factoids relevant to your death-craving souls. As always, the lovely Andriasang was there to fill in the gaps with a translation. Here's a brief sampling of what was talked about.

Dark Souls will be a broad game not only in terms of its areas, but its estimated play time as well. We're looking at 60 hours compared to its predecessor-of-sorts Demon's Souls, which Miyazaki put at 30 to 40.

I would say that gamers know what they're getting into with Dark Souls, but that's not necessarily true now that the audience is being expanded to Xbox 360 players. As such, it's unfortunate to report that there won't be a demo; From Software can't convey what they'd like to in such a short amount of time.

And lastly, downloadable content -- there likely won't be any based on current plans. If there is, though, expect "something interesting" using online functionality. Don't expect, however, paid in-game items.

Source: http://www.destructoid.com/dark-souls-info-60-hour-play-time-no-demo-more-193571.phtml

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I finished Demon's Souls at around 20 hours on my first playthrough so I guess this will be 40 - 50 hours for experienced players but anyways YAY!

Excellent. Games that last around that are a rarity nowadays.

What a perfect picture to put to an article about the game... Demon's/Dark Souls... it's like a ram up your ass

Anyway good news to me, people can be turned away by a demo, and they realize they can't convey what they need to with such restrictions.  And no DLC is good DLC since it means we'll get a complete game at launch now I just want info on how online will work and I'll be a happy camper.

hell yeah. considering it has spawn points and you dont loose souls il buy it. hopefully it will be easier then demon souls.

BURN THE HERETIC! BURN HIM!

what if the game gets two game difficulties, easy and *harder then demon souls*. how is that?

Kill it with fire! Easy mode is for pussies and grandpas! 

what about hard mode? it wont be as hard as demon souls but it will still be hard for pussies and grandpas.

It's actually a lot harder according to Miyazaki.

Haha in all honesty I don't mind different settings I just want the options from the start and the ability to go up in difficulty if the first is too easy.   This is how I've always felt about games, I also like unlocking harder and harder difficulties ala Viewtiful Joe.  

But games like Bayonetta, Viewtiful Joe, Donkey Kong Country Returns, and Demons Souls remind me of my childhood where there was one setting and that setting was kick you in your teeth until you get it right... and I loved every moment of it, since you feel so accomplished when it's over.