Sony's crackdown on Bloodborne fan projects continues. Following last week's takedown of the popular 60fps mod, the Bloodborne PSX demake has now become the latest target of copyright claims.
Lance McDonald, creator of the Bloodborne 60fps mod, confirmed a DMCA takedown notice from Sony Interactive Entertainment, prompting the removal of online links to his patch. This action came four years after the mod's release.
Lilith Walther, creator of the impressive Bloodborne PSX demake and Nightmare Kart (formerly Bloodborne Kart), reported that a YouTube video showcasing her demake received a copyright claim from MarkScan Enforcement, a company confirmed by McDonald to be working on behalf of Sony. This is the same company responsible for the DMCA takedown of his 60fps mod.
The timing of these actions raises speculation, particularly given recent advancements in PS4 emulation, allowing for a near-remaster experience of Bloodborne at 60fps. This breakthrough, highlighted by Digital Foundry, has led to theories that Sony's aggressive approach may be connected. While Sony has yet to comment, McDonald suggests a "copium theory"—that Sony is preparing an official 60fps remake and is clearing the way for trademarking by removing fan projects from search results.
The situation highlights the ongoing frustration surrounding Bloodborne's future. Despite its critical acclaim and fan demand for a next-gen patch, remaster, or sequel, Sony has remained silent. Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida offered his theory: Hidetaka Miyazaki, Bloodborne's creator, is protective of his work and unwilling to allow others to handle a potential remaster or update. Yoshida emphasized this is merely a theory, not leaked information.
While Miyazaki has previously deflected questions about Bloodborne, citing FromSoftware's lack of IP ownership, he did acknowledge in February 2023 that the game would benefit from a release on modern hardware. For now, however, Bloodborne remains dormant, nearly a decade after its initial release, leaving fans hopeful but uncertain about its future.
