As Sony Interactive Entertainment celebrates the 30th anniversary of PlayStation, a promotional video titled "Heartfelt Thanks" has captivated fans by showcasing a montage of beloved games. The highlight of this nostalgic journey is the inclusion of FromSoftware's iconic action RPG, Bloodborne, which is notably presented with the word "persistence." This choice has ignited discussions among the gaming community, reflecting the enduring legacy of the game.
Originally launched on December 3, 1994, PlayStation has evolved tremendously over three decades. To commemorate this milestone, the PS5's startup screen has been transformed into a retro PS1 style, accompanied by a special 30th-anniversary sale on the PS Store. The video opens with intriguing phrases like "If you know this story" and "You know it’s about..." before diving into a 25-second montage that features countless game clips, spanning from early PS classics to recent blockbusters.
Nostalgic Game Highlights
The video effectively evokes cherished memories among players by pairing iconic scenes with phrases such as "It's about..." For instance, The Last of Us is described as "about love," God of War: Ragnarök as "about family," and Ghost of Tsushima as "about courage." Interestingly, while the montage includes a clip from Demon's Souls featuring the King’s Passage dragon battle, it's Bloodborne that closes the show with the powerful message of "persistence" (its Japanese translation being "不屈"). This resonates deeply with fans of the Souls series, reinforcing Bloodborne's status as a benchmark in the genre.
Bloodborne's Lasting Impact
Released in March 2015, Bloodborne quickly garnered acclaim from players, selling over a million copies within two weeks of its launch. Despite the success and a DLC release later that year, fans have been left in the dark regarding any new developments for nearly nine years. The community’s fervent desire for a PC port, a remastered version, or a 60fps upgrade has reached meme status over the years. In June 2024, Hidetaka Miyazaki, president of FromSoftware, expressed openness to a PC port but hinted at potential complications, suggesting that PlayStation holds the reins on this decision.
Fan Speculation and Hopes
The recent anniversary video has reignited discussions surrounding Bloodborne, with fans speculating about a possible PS5 Pro version or even a sequel. Some enthusiasts interpret the message of "still needing more persistence" as a sign that they may have to wait another decade for their dreams to materialize. The repeated emphasis on persistence in various languages connects the game's spirit with the players' resilience, hinting at the possibility of future developments.
The Future of Bloodborne
As the anniversary video highlights Bloodborne, it underscores Sony's recognition of the game’s significance in its history. The excitement surrounding the game suggests that it remains a priority for SIE. Whether this translates into new content or remasters in the near future is still uncertain, but fans are eager to see what lies ahead.
A Community United by Passion
Ultimately, the discussion sparked by the anniversary video reflects a broader theme within the gaming community: the enduring passion and loyalty of players. Bloodborne's legacy continues to inspire not only nostalgia but also a deep yearning for more content. As fans rally around the idea of persistence, they embody the very spirit that Bloodborne represents—a dedication to overcoming challenges, both in-game and in their hopes for the future.
As we look to the future, the anticipation for Bloodborne remains high, and the community's collective voice will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its next chapter.