Today marks the 10th anniversary of FromSoftware's iconic PlayStation 4 game, *Bloodborne*. Fans around the globe are celebrating this milestone by organizing a "Return to Yharnam" community event, a testament to the game's enduring legacy and the passionate community it has cultivated since its launch on March 24, 2015.
*Bloodborne* not only solidified FromSoftware's reputation as a top-tier game developer but also received widespread critical and commercial acclaim. Given its success, many expected a sequel, a remaster, or at least a next-gen update to bring the game up to 60fps. Yet, fans have been met with silence from Sony, leaving many to wonder why there hasn't been a follow-up to this beloved title.
Earlier this year, Shuhei Yoshida, a former PlayStation executive, offered his personal theory on the lack of *Bloodborne* updates during an interview with Kinda Funny Games. Yoshida emphasized that this was not based on insider knowledge but his own speculation. He suggested that Hidetaka Miyazaki, the visionary behind *Bloodborne* and president of FromSoftware, might be too busy with other successful projects to personally oversee any updates or sequels. Furthermore, Yoshida speculated that Miyazaki might not want anyone else to touch his creation, and the PlayStation team respects his wishes.
Miyazaki's portfolio post-*Bloodborne* includes directing *Dark Souls 3*, *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, and the blockbuster *Elden Ring*, underscoring his busy schedule. Although FromSoftware does not own the *Bloodborne* IP, Miyazaki has acknowledged that the game could benefit from being updated for modern hardware. However, his focus has shifted to other projects, including an upcoming multiplayer spin-off of *Elden Ring*.
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In the absence of official updates, the *Bloodborne* community has taken matters into their own hands. Fan-made projects, such as the 60fps mod by Lance McDonald and the *Bloodborne Kart* and PSX demake by Lilith Walther, have attempted to enhance the game's experience. However, these efforts have faced legal challenges, with Sony issuing takedown notices, including a recent copyright claim against Walther's YouTube video.
A significant development came with the release of a video by Digital Foundry, showcasing a breakthrough in PS4 emulation through ShadPS4. This allows *Bloodborne* to be played in full 60fps on PC, a move that might have prompted Sony's aggressive stance on fan-made content. IGN reached out to Sony for comment but received no response.
As fans continue to wait for any official word from Sony or FromSoftware, community events like today's "Return to Yharnam" remain a way for enthusiasts to engage with the game. Participants are encouraged to start new characters, summon cooperators and invaders, and leave in-game messages to celebrate this 10th anniversary and keep the spirit of *Bloodborne* alive.
Without an official sequel or update in sight, these community-driven initiatives might be the closest fans get to experiencing new content in the haunting world of Yharnam.