Sony has removed the 60fps mod for Bloodborne using a DMCA takedown, once again disappointing players who have been waiting for an official upgrade for this FromSoftware classic for years. This information was first reported by Eurogamer, and modder and dataminer Lance McDonald confirmed on the Bluesky platform that he was forced to take the mod down from the internet.
"On February 21, 2021, I created and released a patch that allows Bloodborne to run at 60 frames per second," McDonald wrote. "Today I received a DMCA takedown notice on behalf of Sony Interactive Entertainment requesting that I remove links to the mod, which I have now done."
McDonald's patch removed the 30fps limitation, allowing for better performance on the PS4 Pro console in Boost Mode, where the game could run at 720p 60fps. The mod had been available since 2021, but Sony has never released an official PS5 version of the game, which is why many players have turned to unofficial solutions.
DMCA and the fight against the modding community
Sony's move reignites the debate over user rights to modify purchased software. McDonald considered his work a proof of concept, and his patch later became crucial for the ShadPS4 emulator, which allows Bloodborne to run on PC at 1080p and 60fps with powerful hardware.
Given that Nintendo has been using DMCA as a tool against the modding scene for years, many are disappointed that Sony is following the same path. This is all the more illogical since Bloodborne remains locked on old hardware, while an official PS5 version or PC port would generate huge interest, especially after the success of Elden Ring.
What’s next for Bloodborne?
While some optimists believe that Sony's reaction means Bloodborne is finally getting attention, the more pessimistic part of the fanbase fears an unwanted Demon’s Souls-style remake that could change the original aesthetic of the game. In the meantime, players are left with no solutions other than to keep their old PS4 consoles or rely on unofficial emulators.
