Following PlayStation's 30th-anniversary video, speculation surrounding a potential Bloodborne remake or sequel has surged. This article explores the latest news and the implications of the anniversary trailer and recent PS5 updates.
PlayStation's 30th Anniversary Celebration: Bloodborne's Prominent Role
Bloodborne's Appearance in the Anniversary Trailer
The anniversary trailer prominently featured Bloodborne, the acclaimed PS4 exclusive, with the caption "It's about persistence." While other titles were also showcased (Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, Helldivers 2, etc., each with thematic captions), Bloodborne's inclusion, particularly its placement and caption, fueled intense fan speculation about a potential remaster or sequel.
The trailer, set to a unique arrangement of The Cranberries' "Dreams," highlighted PlayStation's most beloved games. However, the final shot of Bloodborne and the "persistence" tagline ignited a wave of excitement and conjecture among fans.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, fan theories regarding a Bloodborne 2 or a 60fps remaster with enhanced visuals persist. This isn't the first time such speculation has emerged; a previous Instagram post by PlayStation Italia featuring iconic Bloodborne locations sparked a similar reaction.
While the trailer's ending might simply acknowledge Bloodborne's notorious difficulty, emphasizing the player's need for perseverance, the timing and presentation certainly fueled the ongoing rumors.
PS5 Update: UI Customization and Nostalgic Throwbacks
Sony's 30th-anniversary celebrations included a PS5 update, offering a limited-time PS1 boot-up sequence and customizable themes inspired by past PlayStation consoles. Themes spanning PS1 to PS4 allow users to revisit the nostalgic aesthetics of earlier consoles.
This update enables PS5 users to personalize their home screen's design and sound effects, selecting from various past console options. Accessing this feature requires navigating to "Settings," then "PlayStation 30th Anniversary," and finally "Appearance and Sound."
The positive reception to this update, particularly the return of the PS4 UI, is tempered by its limited-time availability, leading some to speculate that it might be a test for future, more extensive UI customization options on the PS5.
Sony's Rumored Handheld Console
Speculation extends beyond the PS5 update. Digital Foundry recently corroborated Bloomberg's reports about Sony developing a handheld console for PS5 games. While still in early development, this move signals Sony's intention to compete in the portable gaming market currently dominated by Nintendo Switch.
Digital Foundry's John Linneman confirmed having heard about the project months prior, suggesting the rumors have some basis. The panelists discussed the strategic sense of both Microsoft and Sony entering the handheld market, given the prevalence of mobile gaming.
While Microsoft has been more open about its handheld ambitions, Sony remains tight-lipped. The development and release of both Sony and Microsoft's handhelds are likely years away, requiring the creation of affordable yet graphically advanced devices to challenge Nintendo's dominance. Meanwhile, Nintendo is poised to release information on the Nintendo Switch's successor later this fiscal year.