The Bloodborne PSX demake, a fan project inspired by the beloved game, has recently been targeted by a copyright claim, following a similar action against the Bloodborne 60fps mod. Lance McDonald, the well-known creator of the 60fps mod, disclosed that he received a takedown notice from Sony Interactive Entertainment, compelling him to remove all online links to his patch. This request came four years after the mod's initial release.
Lilith Walther, the mind behind Nightmare Kart (formerly Bloodborne Kart) and the visually striking Bloodborne PSX demake, reported that a YouTube video showcasing the demake was hit with a copyright claim by MarkScan Enforcement. McDonald confirmed that MarkScan is a company hired by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the same entity that issued the DMCA takedown against his mod.
These actions have sparked confusion and speculation within the gaming community. Bloodborne, developed by FromSoftware and released exclusively on PS4, has garnered a fervent fanbase clamoring for updates such as a next-gen patch to improve the game's frame rate from 30fps to 60fps, a remaster, or even a sequel. However, Sony has remained silent on the game's future.
Recent advancements in PS4 emulation technology, highlighted by Digital Foundry's coverage of the ShadPS4 emulator, have enabled fans to experience Bloodborne at 60fps on PC, effectively creating a fan-made "remaster." This development might have prompted Sony's aggressive stance on fan projects.
McDonald proposed a theory that Sony's actions could be a precursor to an official announcement regarding a Bloodborne remake or update. He speculated that Sony might be clearing the digital landscape to avoid confusion with fan projects when announcing their own version.
Despite these developments, Sony has not hinted at any plans to revisit Bloodborne. Shuhei Yoshida, a former PlayStation executive, shared his personal theory during an interview with Kinda Funny Games. He suggested that FromSoftware's director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, might be protective of the game due to his deep attachment to it, and unwilling to let anyone else handle a remaster or sequel, a sentiment respected by the PlayStation team.
As Bloodborne approaches nearly a decade since its launch, fans continue to hope for its revival. While Miyazaki has acknowledged the potential benefits of a modern hardware release, the future of Bloodborne remains uncertain, leaving fans to ponder what lies ahead for this iconic title.
