Today marks a significant milestone as Bloodborne celebrates its 10th anniversary, with fans coming together for yet another "Return to Yharnam" community event. Launched on March 24, 2015, by FromSoftware for the PlayStation 4, Bloodborne has not only solidified the studio's reputation as a leading developer but also captured the hearts of gamers worldwide with its challenging gameplay and dark, immersive world.
Despite its critical and commercial success, fans have been left wondering why Sony hasn't capitalized on Bloodborne's popularity with a remaster, sequel, or even a next-gen update to bring the game to 60fps. The absence of any follow-up has left many puzzled, considering Sony's track record with remasters and the persistent demand from the community.
Earlier this year, former Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida shed some light on the situation during an interview with Kinda Funny Games. Yoshida, who no longer has insider knowledge since leaving Sony, offered his personal theory on the matter. He suggested that Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind Bloodborne and head of FromSoftware, may be too busy with other successful projects to oversee a Bloodborne update himself, and he might not want anyone else to touch his beloved creation. Yoshida emphasized that this was just his theory and not an official statement from Sony.
Miyazaki's busy schedule is indeed packed with high-profile projects, including directing Dark Souls 3, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and the blockbuster Elden Ring. With a multiplayer spin-off of Elden Ring on the horizon, his focus remains on pushing the boundaries of game design. Miyazaki has hinted that Bloodborne could benefit from modern hardware, but he consistently reminds fans that FromSoftware does not own the IP.
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In the absence of official updates, the community has taken matters into their own hands. Modders have attempted to enhance the Bloodborne experience, but Sony has cracked down on these efforts. Notably, modder Lance McDonald was forced to remove his 60fps patch following a DMCA takedown from Sony, while Lilith Walther faced copyright claims on her Bloodborne-inspired projects.
Meanwhile, tech enthusiasts at Digital Foundry have highlighted a breakthrough in PS4 emulation, allowing Bloodborne to run at 60fps on PC. This development may have prompted Sony's stringent response to fan-made projects. Despite reaching out for comment, IGN has not received a response from Sony regarding these matters.
With no official updates in sight, Bloodborne fans continue to celebrate the game's legacy through community events like the "Return to Yharnam." On this 10th anniversary, players are encouraged to start fresh characters, summon co-operators and invaders, and leave messages within the game to signify their participation in this community-driven celebration. As fans continue to keep the spirit of Bloodborne alive, it remains to be seen whether Sony will ever revisit this beloved title.