The Demise of Bluepoint Games and the Future of Remakes
The recent closure of Bluepoint Games, renowned for its stunning remakes of Demon’s Souls and Shadow of the Colossus, has sent ripples through the gaming industry. Even as initially attributed to broader restructuring within Sony, fresh information reveals a more nuanced story – one centered around a rejected Bloodborne remake and a shifting strategic direction.
From God of War to a Dead End
Following its acquisition by Sony, Bluepoint initially supported Santa Monica Studio with God of War Ragnarök. The studio then embarked on its own ambitious project: a live-service game set within the God of War universe. This game, envisioned as a cooperative experience featuring different versions of Atreus navigating a Hades-inspired realm, ultimately faltered. Canceled in early 2025, the project proved a poor fit for Bluepoint’s expertise in traditional action games.
The Rejected Bloodborne Remake
With the God of War project scrapped, Bluepoint pivoted to a more familiar territory: remakes. A Bloodborne remake emerged as a logical and highly anticipated next step, aligning with fan demand and the studio’s proven capabilities. While, the project was ultimately rejected – not by Sony, but by FromSoftware, the original developer of Bloodborne. According to sources, FromSoftware simply did not desire another team remaking their game.
Why FromSoftware Said No: A Creator’s Vision
This decision highlights a growing trend within the industry: developers fiercely protecting their intellectual property and creative vision. Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida theorized that Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director of Bloodborne, was deeply attached to the game and hesitant to allow others to modify his work. This sentiment reflects a desire to maintain artistic control and ensure that any future iterations of their games align with their original intent.
The Remake Landscape: A Shifting Power Dynamic
The Bluepoint situation underscores a critical shift in the remake landscape. Previously, remakes were often seen as opportunities for studios to revitalize classic titles and capitalize on existing fanbases. However, the increasing involvement – and potential veto power – of original developers suggests a new dynamic. Studios like Bluepoint, while exceptionally skilled, may uncover themselves increasingly reliant on the approval of the IP holders, even when those holders have no immediate plans for a remake themselves.
The Rise of “Definitive Editions” and Remasters
This trend could lead to a greater emphasis on “definitive editions” or high-quality remasters – updates that enhance existing games without fundamentally altering their core design. These types of projects are less likely to be perceived as a challenge to the original developer’s vision and may be more readily approved. We’ve seen this with titles like The Last of Us Part I, which, while controversial in its price point, offered a significant visual and gameplay overhaul.
The Future of Bluepoint’s Expertise
The closure of Bluepoint represents a loss of talent and expertise in the remake space. The studio’s team is now seeking new opportunities and their skills will undoubtedly be in high demand. However, the circumstances surrounding their departure raise questions about the long-term viability of independent remake studios.
FAQ
Q: Why did Sony close Bluepoint Games?
A: While initially attributed to restructuring, the closure was largely due to the cancellation of their projects, including a rejected Bloodborne remake, and a lack of new assignments.
Q: Why did FromSoftware reject the Bloodborne remake?
A: It’s believed Hidetaka Miyazaki, the game’s director, was strongly attached to Bloodborne and didn’t want another studio altering his vision.
Q: Will Bloodborne ever receive a remake?
A: It’s possible, but only if FromSoftware decides to undertake the project themselves.
Q: What does this mean for other remake studios?
A: Remake studios may face increased challenges securing projects, as original developers exert more control over their IPs.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on developer statements and industry trends. They often provide clues about the future direction of remakes and remasters.
What are your thoughts on the closure of Bluepoint Games and the future of remakes? Share your opinions in the comments below!
