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

The Bloodborne PSX demake, the latest fan project related to the beloved game, has been hit with a copyright claim following the takedown of the Bloodborne 60fps mod last week. Lance McDonald, the creator of the 60fps mod, disclosed that he received a DMCA notice from Sony Interactive Entertainment requesting the removal of links to his patch, which he complied with four years after its initial release.

Lilith Walther, the mind behind Nightmare Kart (formerly Bloodborne Kart) and the visually striking Bloodborne PSX demake, revealed on Twitter that a YouTube video showcasing the demake was targeted with a copyright claim by MarkScan Enforcement. McDonald later clarified that MarkScan is a company hired by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the same entity that issued the DMCA against his 60fps patch page.

The situation has left fans puzzled and frustrated, especially given Bloodborne's status as a critically acclaimed title from FromSoftware that launched on the PS4 but has seen no further development from Sony. Enthusiasts have been clamoring for an official next-gen patch to boost the game's frame rate to 60fps, along with calls for a remaster or a sequel.

Recent advancements in PS4 emulation, highlighted by Digital Foundry's coverage of the ShadPS4 breakthrough, have enabled fans to experience Bloodborne at 60fps on PC, which some speculate may have prompted Sony's aggressive copyright enforcement. IGN reached out to Sony for a statement but has not received a response.

In light of these events, McDonald proposed a "copium theory" suggesting that Sony might be preparing to announce an official 60fps remake. He theorized that Sony's actions could be aimed at clearing the digital space for trademark filings related to "Bloodborne 60fps" and "Bloodborne remake." However, Sony has not provided any indication of plans to revisit Bloodborne.

Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida offered his own perspective, suggesting that FromSoftware's director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, might be protective of the game, unwilling to allow others to work on it due to his deep attachment and busy schedule. Yoshida emphasized that this was merely his personal theory and not based on insider knowledge.

Despite these developments, Bloodborne remains untouched nearly a decade after its initial release. While Miyazaki has acknowledged the potential benefits of the game being available on more modern hardware, the future of Bloodborne continues to be uncertain.