The Bloodborne PSX demake, a fan-made project, is the latest to face a copyright claim from Sony Interactive Entertainment, following last week's takedown of the Bloodborne 60fps mod. Lance McDonald, creator of the 60fps mod, confirmed receiving a takedown notice four years after its release, requiring the removal of online links. Lilith Walther, creator of the Bloodborne PSX demake and Nightmare Kart (formerly Bloodborne Kart), reported a copyright claim by MarkScan Enforcement on a YouTube video showcasing the demake. McDonald revealed MarkScan is a company employed by Sony, the same entity responsible for the DMCA takedown of his 60fps patch. He expressed bewilderment at the actions, questioning Sony's motives.
Bloodborne's continued absence from the current gaming landscape fuels much fan speculation. While the game achieved critical and commercial success on PS4, Sony has yet to release a next-gen patch, remaster, or sequel, despite persistent fan demand for a 60fps upgrade. Recently, advancements in PS4 emulation, highlighted by Digital Foundry's video showcasing ShadPS4's capabilities, have enabled full 60fps playthroughs on PC. This breakthrough may have prompted Sony's more aggressive response, though this remains unconfirmed. Sony has yet to comment on this matter.
McDonald proposed a theory that Sony's actions might be preemptive measures to clear the way for an official 60fps remake, suggesting that removing fan projects would prevent trademark conflicts. However, Sony has not publicly indicated any plans to revisit Bloodborne. Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida offered a personal theory, suggesting that Hidetaka Miyazaki's deep personal attachment to Bloodborne and his busy schedule prevent him from overseeing a remaster, and that Sony respects his wishes.
Despite Miyazaki's previous statements deflecting questions about Bloodborne due to FromSoftware's lack of IP ownership, he did acknowledge in February 2023 that the game would benefit from a release on modern hardware. The situation leaves Bloodborne's future uncertain, nearly a decade after its initial release.
