Bloodborne PSX Demake Faces 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 encountered a copyright claim, following in the footsteps of the Bloodborne 60fps mod which faced a similar issue last week. Lance McDonald, the creator of the well-known Bloodborne 60fps mod, disclosed that he received a takedown notice from Sony Interactive Entertainment, compelling him to remove links to his patch. This action came four years after the mod's initial release.

Lilith Walther, the creative mind behind Nightmare Kart (formerly Bloodborne Kart) and the visually striking Bloodborne PSX demake, shared on Twitter that a YouTube video showcasing the demake was hit with a copyright claim by 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 page. He expressed his confusion and frustration over these actions, questioning Sony's motives.

Bloodborne, a critically acclaimed masterpiece developed by FromSoftware and released on the PS4, has become a focal point of fan desire for enhancements such as a next-gen patch to boost its frame rate from 30fps to 60fps, a remaster, or even a sequel. Recent advancements in PS4 emulation, highlighted by Digital Foundry's coverage of the ShadPS4 emulator, have enabled fans to experience Bloodborne at 60fps on PC, sparking speculation about whether this progress prompted Sony's aggressive copyright enforcement. IGN has reached out to Sony for comment, but has yet to receive a response.

In the midst of these developments, McDonald proposed a "copium theory" suggesting that Sony's actions might be a precursor to announcing an official 60fps remake. He speculated that Sony could be clearing the digital space to avoid confusion with fan projects when searching for terms like "bloodborne 60fps" or "Bloodborne remake." Despite these theories, Sony has not provided any indication of plans to revisit Bloodborne.

Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida offered his perspective on the situation, theorizing that FromSoftware's director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, might be protective of the game due to his deep personal attachment to it. Yoshida suggested that Miyazaki's busy schedule and reluctance to let others work on the game could be reasons for the lack of updates or remasters, a sentiment respected by the PlayStation team.

As Bloodborne approaches its 10th anniversary, the game remains untouched by official updates. While Miyazaki has acknowledged the potential benefits of releasing Bloodborne on more modern hardware, the future of the game remains uncertain, leaving fans hopeful yet without concrete plans from Sony or FromSoftware.