Demake to Fan-Project Bloodborne Stalled by Copyright

Fan projects related to Bloodborne, a critically acclaimed FromSoftware title, are facing copyright issues. Following a DMCA takedown of the Bloodborne 60fps mod last week, the Bloodborne PSX demake has now also been targeted.

Lance McDonald, creator of the Bloodborne 60fps mod, confirmed Sony Interactive Entertainment's involvement in the takedown notice, four years after the mod's release. Lilith Walther, creator of the Bloodborne PSX demake, reported a copyright claim on a YouTube video showcasing her work, filed by MarkScan Enforcement, a company confirmed by McDonald to be working on behalf of Sony.

This aggressive action by Sony has fueled speculation, particularly given the recent success of PS4 emulators in achieving a near-remaster experience for Bloodborne on PC at 60fps. McDonald suggests a "copium theory" – that Sony's actions are preemptive, clearing the way for an official 60fps remake announcement. The theory posits that Sony needs to remove fan-made content to secure trademarks for "Bloodborne 60fps" and "Bloodborne remake."

Despite these actions, Sony has yet to officially comment on future plans for Bloodborne. Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida offered a personal theory, suggesting that Hidetaka Miyazaki's strong attachment to the game and desire for creative control prevents any official remaster or sequel, with the PlayStation team respecting his wishes.

Bloodborne's future remains uncertain, despite Miyazaki's past acknowledgement that the game would benefit from a release on more modern hardware. The game's continued absence, nearly a decade after its initial release, leaves fans yearning for an official update or sequel.