Bloodborne PSX Demake Hit with Copyright Claim; 60fps Mod Creator Shares 'Copium' Remake Theory

The Bloodborne PSX demake, a fan-made project inspired by the iconic FromSoftware game, has recently faced a copyright claim, following in the footsteps of the Bloodborne 60fps mod which was also targeted last week. Lance McDonald, the creator behind the well-known Bloodborne 60fps mod, revealed that he received a DMCA takedown notice from Sony Interactive Entertainment, which led him to remove all links to the patch online. This action came four years after the initial release of the mod.

Similarly, Lilith Walther, the mind behind Nightmare Kart (formerly Bloodborne Kart) and the visually striking Bloodborne PSX demake, disclosed that a YouTube video showcasing the demake received a copyright claim from MarkScan Enforcement. McDonald further clarified that MarkScan is a company employed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the same entity that issued the DMCA against his 60fps patch. The recent takedown of the PSX demake video has sparked discussions about Sony's motives, with McDonald questioning the aggressive approach.

Bloodborne, developed by FromSoftware and launched on the PS4, has been a subject of much speculation and desire among fans. Despite its critical and commercial success, Sony has not revisited the game officially, leaving fans yearning for a next-gen patch to boost the frame rate from 30fps to 60fps, as well as a potential remaster or sequel. Recent advancements in PS4 emulation, highlighted by Digital Foundry's coverage of ShadPS4, have enabled Bloodborne to run at 60fps on PC, a development that might have prompted Sony's stringent copyright enforcement. IGN has reached out to Sony for comments but has not received a response yet.

In light of these events, McDonald proposed a "copium theory" suggesting that Sony's actions might be clearing the way for an official 60fps remake announcement. He speculated that Sony could be aiming to trademark phrases like "Bloodborne 60fps" and "Bloodborne remake," necessitating the removal of fan projects that might conflict with these trademarks. However, Sony has not provided any indication of plans to revisit Bloodborne.

Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida shared his theory on the absence of Bloodborne updates or remasters in an interview with Kinda Funny Games. He suggested that Hidetaka Miyazaki, the game's creator, might be protective of Bloodborne due to his deep personal attachment to the project. Yoshida believes Miyazaki's reluctance to let others work on the game, combined with his busy schedule, might be why Sony has not touched Bloodborne since its release nearly a decade ago.

Despite the lack of official updates, Miyazaki has acknowledged in interviews that Bloodborne could benefit from being ported to more modern hardware. This leaves fans hopeful, yet uncertain about the future of this beloved title.