Sony Issues DMCA to Bloodborne 60fps Patch Creator: Timing Questioned

The creator of the high-profile Bloodborne 60fps patch, Lance McDonald, has announced that he received a DMCA takedown notice from Sony Interactive Entertainment. In a tweet, McDonald stated that he complied with the request by removing links to the patch he had shared online. The patch, which he released in 2021, was a significant achievement for the gaming community, allowing players to experience the game at a smoother frame rate.

McDonald also shared an anecdote about a meeting with former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida, where he disclosed his involvement in creating the 60fps mod for Bloodborne. Yoshida's reaction was one of amusement, highlighting the informal acknowledgment from within Sony's ranks.

Bloodborne, developed by FromSoftware, remains a beloved yet untouched title since its initial release on the PS4. The game has garnered a dedicated fanbase clamoring for an official next-gen update to boost its frame rate to 60fps, alongside calls for a remaster or a sequel. In the absence of official updates, enthusiasts like McDonald have stepped in to fill the void. Recently, advancements in PS4 emulation, as showcased by Digital Foundry's coverage of ShadPS4, have enabled fans to play Bloodborne at 60fps on PC, potentially prompting Sony's aggressive response to unofficial modifications. IGN has reached out to Sony for further comment on the matter.

Shuhei Yoshida, in an interview with Kinda Funny Games earlier this month, shared his theory on why Bloodborne has not seen any updates. He suggested that FromSoftware's director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, who has a deep attachment to the game, may be hesitant to allow anyone else to work on it due to his busy schedule and success with other projects. Yoshida emphasized that this is merely his personal theory and not an official statement, indicating that the PlayStation team respects Miyazaki's wishes.

Despite the game's dormancy nearly a decade after its release, there remains a glimmer of hope. Miyazaki, in interviews, often avoids direct comments on Bloodborne's future, citing FromSoftware's lack of ownership over the IP. However, in February of last year, he acknowledged that the game could benefit from being released on more modern hardware, leaving fans hopeful for future developments.