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

The fan-created Bloodborne PSX demake has joined the list of Bloodborne-related projects targeted by copyright claims, following the takedown of the Bloodborne 60fps mod last week. Lance McDonald, the creator of the popular Bloodborne 60fps mod, announced that he received a DMCA takedown notice from Sony Interactive Entertainment, forcing him to remove links to his patch four years after its release.

Lilith Walther, the creative mind behind Nightmare Kart (formerly Bloodborne Kart) and the visually striking Bloodborne PSX demake, reported that a YouTube video showcasing the demake received a copyright claim from MarkScan Enforcement. McDonald clarified that MarkScan is a company employed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the same entity that targeted his 60fps patch. He expressed his confusion and frustration over the situation, questioning the motives behind these aggressive actions.

Bloodborne, developed by FromSoftware and released on PS4, has garnered immense acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Despite its success, Sony has not revisited the game, leaving fans eager for a next-gen update to boost the frame rate to 60fps, a remaster, or even a sequel. Recent advancements in PS4 emulation, highlighted by Digital Foundry's coverage of ShadPS4, have enabled Bloodborne to run at 60fps on PC, prompting speculation about Sony's response. IGN reached out to Sony for comment but has not yet received a response.

McDonald speculated that Sony might be preparing an official 60fps remake, suggesting that the DMCA takedowns could be an attempt to clear the digital landscape for future announcements. He theorized that Sony might be planning to trademark terms like "Bloodborne 60fps" and "Bloodborne remake," necessitating the removal of conflicting fan projects.

Despite these developments, Sony has not indicated any plans to revisit Bloodborne. Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida offered his perspective on the situation, suggesting that FromSoftware's director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, might be reluctant to allow others to work on the game due to his deep attachment to it and his busy schedule. Yoshida emphasized that this was merely his theory and not an official statement.

Bloodborne remains untouched nearly a decade after its initial release, with Miyazaki acknowledging in interviews that the game could benefit from a release on more modern hardware. However, he often deflects direct questions about the game's future, citing FromSoftware's lack of ownership over the IP.