On Bloodborne’s 10th Birthday, and With Neither a Sequel nor a Next-Gen Update in Sight, Fans Once Again Organize a Return to Yharnam

Today marks a significant milestone as Bloodborne celebrates its 10th anniversary since its launch on March 24, 2015. Fans around the globe are commemorating this occasion with another "Return to Yharnam" community event, a testament to the enduring love for FromSoftware's PlayStation 4 masterpiece. The game not only solidified FromSoftware's status as a top-tier developer but also garnered critical and commercial success, leading many to anticipate a sequel akin to the Dark Souls series. Yet, a decade later, Sony has not released a current-gen remaster, a sequel, or even a next-gen update to enable 60fps gameplay. This lack of follow-up has left fans puzzled and vocal about their desire for more Bloodborne.

Earlier this year, insight into this silence came from PlayStation veteran Shuhei Yoshida. In an interview with Kinda Funny Games, Yoshida, who no longer has insider knowledge since leaving Sony's first-party division, shared his theory on the matter. He suggested that Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creative force behind Bloodborne and president of FromSoftware, might be reluctant to let anyone else work on the game due to his deep personal connection to it. Yoshida posited that Miyazaki's success and busy schedule with projects like Elden Ring and its upcoming multiplayer spin-off might be factors, and that Sony respects his wishes.

Miyazaki himself has often sidestepped questions about Bloodborne, citing FromSoftware's lack of ownership over the IP. However, he acknowledged last year that the game could benefit from modern hardware. Meanwhile, modders have attempted to enhance the Bloodborne experience, but have faced resistance from Sony. Notable modder Lance McDonald received a DMCA takedown for his 60fps mod, and Lilith Walther, creator of Nightmare Kart and the Bloodborne PSX demake, encountered copyright issues with her work.

Recent advances in PS4 emulation have allowed fans to experience Bloodborne at 60fps on PC, a breakthrough covered by Digital Foundry. This development might have prompted a more assertive stance from Sony, though they have not officially commented on it.

As fans continue to wait for official updates, community events like today's "Return to Yharnam" remain a vibrant way to engage with the game. Participants are encouraged to start anew, summon cooperators and invaders, and share messages within the game to celebrate this iconic title's anniversary.

The Best PS4 Games (Summer 2020 Update)

26 Images

With no official word on future projects, it seems these community-driven events may be the only way for fans to keep the spirit of Bloodborne alive.