Today marks a significant milestone for fans of FromSoftware's iconic PlayStation 4 title, Bloodborne, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Enthusiasts are coming together to commemorate this occasion with yet another "Return to Yharnam" community event, a testament to the game's enduring popularity and influence. Launched on March 24, 2015, Bloodborne not only solidified FromSoftware's reputation as a leading developer but also garnered widespread critical and commercial success, leading many to anticipate a sequel or remaster in the tradition of the Dark Souls series.
However, a decade later, fans are still left wondering why Sony has not followed up with a current-gen remaster, a sequel, or even a next-gen update to bring Bloodborne to 60fps. The silence from Sony on this matter continues to baffle the gaming community, making it one of the most perplexing decisions in the industry.
Earlier this year, some insight into this mystery was provided by Shuhei Yoshida, a PlayStation legend who departed from Sony. In an interview with Kinda Funny Games, Yoshida shared his personal theory on the lack of a Bloodborne follow-up, emphasizing that it was not based on any insider knowledge. He suggested that Hidetaka Miyazaki, the visionary behind FromSoftware and Bloodborne, might be too busy with other successful projects to personally oversee a remaster or sequel. Yoshida speculated that Miyazaki's deep affection for Bloodborne could lead him to prefer that no one else touch the project, a sentiment respected by the PlayStation team.
Miyazaki, who has been incredibly successful with the Dark Souls series and the blockbuster Elden Ring, has indeed been occupied with directing multiple high-profile games, including Dark Souls 3, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and the aforementioned Elden Ring. While he has acknowledged that Bloodborne could benefit from modern hardware, he often sidesteps direct questions about its future, citing that FromSoftware does not own the IP.
In the absence of official updates, the community has taken matters into their own hands. Modders have attempted to enhance the Bloodborne experience, with projects like the 60fps mod by Lance McDonald and the imaginative Nightmare Kart and Bloodborne PSX demake by Lilith Walther. However, Sony has not been supportive of these fan efforts, issuing takedown notices and copyright claims.
Recently, advancements in PS4 emulation have allowed fans to experience Bloodborne at 60fps on PC, thanks to the efforts of tech experts like those at Digital Foundry with their coverage of the "ShadPS4" breakthrough. This development has led to speculation about whether it prompted Sony's aggressive stance on fan-made projects. IGN reached out to Sony for comment, but received no response.
As fans continue to wait for official word on Bloodborne's future, community-driven events like the "Return to Yharnam" initiative provide a way to keep the spirit of the game alive. Today's event encourages players to start anew, engage with the community through co-op and invasions, and leave messages in-game to connect with fellow enthusiasts on this special anniversary.
The Best PS4 Games (Summer 2020 Update)
26 Images
While the future of Bloodborne remains uncertain, the dedication of its fanbase ensures that its legacy will continue to thrive, even if through community events and fan-made projects.
