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Sony has issued a DMCA takedown notice against Lance McDonald, the creator of the widely used Bloodborne patch, leading to the removal of the patch’s download links. The patch, originally released in 2021, allows the game—originally released in 2015—to run at 60 frames per second (FPS) on jailbroken PlayStation hardware, significantly improving performance over the original version’s 30FPS cap.
On February 21st, 2021, I created and released a patch for Bloodborne which makes the game run at 60fps. Today I received a DMCA takedown notification on behalf of Sony Interactive Entertainment asking that I remove links to the patch I posted on the internet, so I've now done so
— Lance McDonald (@manfightdragon.bsky.social) January 31, 2025 at 8:22 PM
The Bloodborne Patch and Its Impact
McDonald’s Bloodborne patch has been a staple for dedicated fans who have long requested an official remaster or PC port. While the game’s art direction and gameplay have stood the test of time, its frame pacing and sub-30FPS performance have been frequent points of criticism. The patch, which worked on jailbroken PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 5 systems, improved the game’s fluidity, making it feel more in line with modern FromSoftware titles like Elden Ring and Sekiro.
Despite Sony’s reluctance to address the game’s technical limitations, Bloodborne remains one of the most highly regarded PlayStation exclusives. The demand for an official 60FPS update or PC port has only grown over the years, especially as Sony has ported other major exclusives like God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, and The Last of Us to PC.
Why Take Down the Bloodborne Patch Now?
The timing of the takedown has sparked widespread speculation. Bloodborne’s fan community has pointed out that Sony ignored the patch for nearly four years before deciding to act. Many believe this move signals an impending Bloodborne remaster, a PlayStation 5 Pro-exclusive version, or even a long-awaited PC release. Others argue it is simply a defensive legal maneuver tied to Sony’s broader concerns over PlayStation emulation.
A key factor could be the recent progress made on the ShadPS4 emulator, which now allows Bloodborne to run at 60FPS on PC. The Bloodborne patch played a significant role in improving the game’s performance on the emulator, and some believe Sony’s takedown is an effort to curb unauthorized PC access rather than targeting the patch itself.
Community Backlash
Unsurprisingly, the Bloodborne community has been vocal about Sony’s decision. Many fans feel frustrated that instead of providing an official update, Sony has opted to suppress fan efforts to improve the game’s performance. Some are drawing comparisons to Nintendo, which has a reputation for aggressively shutting down fan-made improvements and unofficial emulation projects.
A particularly cynical take is that Sony could be planning to release a minor remaster—perhaps with only a higher resolution and a 60FPS mode—at a premium price. This is a growing concern among fans who fear that Sony will restrict improvements to Bloodborne simply to ensure they can charge full price for an official update later.
What’s Next?
For those who have already downloaded McDonald’s Bloodborne patch, it will remain functional on jailbroken consoles, but new users will have difficulty accessing it. Given the DMCA takedown, Sony may continue to monitor similar projects in the future, particularly if the company views them as undermining potential revenue streams.
Meanwhile, the demand for an official Bloodborne remaster or PC port remains as high as ever. If Sony has plans for the title, this would be the perfect time to announce them. Otherwise, fans will continue to search for workarounds, keeping the dream of 60FPS Bloodborne alive—whether Sony likes it or not.
FAQ: Bloodborne Patch & Sony’s DMCA Takedown
1. What was the Bloodborne 60FPS patch?
The patch, created by Lance McDonald, allowed Bloodborne to run at 60 frames per second on jailbroken PlayStation hardware, improving performance over the original 30FPS cap.
2. Why did Sony issue a DMCA takedown now?
Sony ignored the patch for nearly four years but recently acted, possibly due to advancements in PS4 emulation on PC, where the patch was being used to enhance Bloodborne‘s performance.
3. Does this mean a Bloodborne remaster or PC port is coming?
There’s speculation that Sony’s decision suggests an official re-release, though no announcement has been made. Some believe Sony is protecting potential future revenue.
4. Can I still use the patch?
If you downloaded it before the takedown, it will still work on jailbroken PS4s. However, new users will have difficulty finding it.
5. Is Bloodborne playable at 60FPS on PC?
Yes, but only through emulation. While some users report a playable experience, others note graphical issues, broken lighting, and occasional crashes.
6. How does this compare to Nintendo’s legal actions?
Many fans compare Sony’s move to Nintendo’s aggressive takedowns of fan projects, with some suggesting that Sony may be following a similar strategy to control Bloodborne’s future.
7. What’s next for Bloodborne fans?
Until Sony officially announces a remaster, fans will likely continue to explore workarounds, including emulation, to experience Bloodborne at 60FPS.
