Sony's Copyright Crackdown on Bloodborne Fan Projects Intensifies
The Bloodborne PSX demake, a highly acclaimed fan-made project, is the latest victim of Sony Interactive Entertainment's copyright enforcement actions, following last week's takedown of a popular 60fps mod. This aggressive approach has sparked debate among fans eager for official recognition of the beloved title.
Lance McDonald, creator of the Bloodborne 60fps mod, revealed that Sony issued a DMCA takedown notice four years after the mod's release, demanding the removal of all online links. This follows a similar action against Lilith Walther, creator of the Bloodborne PSX demake and Nightmare Kart, whose YouTube video showcasing the demake was hit with a copyright claim by MarkScan Enforcement, a company reportedly contracted by Sony. McDonald confirmed MarkScan's involvement in both takedown notices.
The timing of these actions coincides with recent advancements in PS4 emulation, notably ShadPS4, which allows for a near-remaster experience of Bloodborne at 60fps on PC. This technological breakthrough has fueled speculation that Sony's aggressive response might be linked to its own potential plans for an official remake or remaster. While Sony has yet to comment, McDonald proposed a "copium theory" suggesting the DMCA notices aim to clear the search results for "Bloodborne 60fps" and "Bloodborne remake" before an official announcement.
The situation highlights the ongoing frustration surrounding Bloodborne's lack of official support on newer hardware. Despite its critical and commercial success, Sony hasn't released any updates, remasters, or sequels. Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida offered his personal theory, suggesting Hidetaka Miyazaki's deep attachment to the game prevents him from allowing others to work on it, a sentiment respected by the PlayStation team.
While Miyazaki has previously acknowledged the game's potential on modern hardware and FromSoftware's lack of IP ownership, he consistently deflects questions about a sequel or remaster. The future of Bloodborne remains uncertain, leaving fans in a state of anticipation and, in some cases, frustration over Sony's actions. The recent DMCA takedowns, however, add another layer of complexity to this already intricate situation.
