The beloved game Bloodborne continues to be a focal point of fan projects and legal actions, with the latest incident involving the Bloodborne PSX demake. This fan-made project, crafted by Lilith Walther, recently faced a copyright claim on a YouTube video showcasing the demake, filed by a company called MarkScan Enforcement. This follows a similar takedown notice issued to Lance McDonald, the creator of the Bloodborne 60fps mod, by Sony Interactive Entertainment just a week prior.
McDonald confirmed that MarkScan Enforcement is indeed a company hired by Sony, which had previously targeted his 60fps mod four years after its release. The recent copyright claim against the Bloodborne PSX demake has left the community puzzled and frustrated, with McDonald questioning Sony's motives.
Bloodborne, developed by FromSoftware and released on the PS4, has not seen any official updates or remasters since its launch, despite its critical and commercial success. Fans have been vocal about their desire for a next-gen patch to boost the game's frame rate to 60fps from the original 30fps, as well as calls for a remaster or sequel. Recent advancements in PS4 emulation, highlighted by Digital Foundry's coverage of ShadPS4, have enabled players to experience Bloodborne at 60fps on PC, which might have prompted Sony's aggressive response.
Amidst these developments, McDonald shared his "copium theory," suggesting that Sony might be preparing to announce an official 60fps remake. He speculates that Sony's actions could be a strategic move to clear the way for trademark filings related to 'bloodborne 60fps' and 'Bloodborne remake.' However, Sony has not provided any official statements regarding future plans for Bloodborne.
Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida offered his perspective on the lack of updates for Bloodborne. He theorized that FromSoftware's director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, might be protective of the game, unwilling to let anyone else touch it due to his busy schedule and success with other projects. Yoshida suggested that PlayStation respects Miyazaki's wishes, which could explain the game's dormancy nearly a decade after its initial release.
Despite Miyazaki's reluctance to discuss Bloodborne in interviews, citing FromSoftware's lack of ownership over the IP, he has acknowledged that the game could benefit from being released on more modern hardware. As fans continue to hope for an official update, the future of Bloodborne remains uncertain.
