Update Dec 08 2017: It didn’t happen for E3, but The Game Awards has just shown some secretive frames by FromSoftware with the title “Shadow die Twice”.

For quite some time, we’ve had the feeling that we’ll be getting a reveal of Bloodborne 2 at E3 2017, and in an effort to purge that wriggling thought worm, we decided to write down the clues that are leading us down this path of speculation. Of course, this is all guesswork until something is officially confirmed, and after the leaks leading to the original Bloodborne’s announcement, it’s understandable that Sony is keeping things hush-hush.

This is a RUMOR article. Most of these could be hints at a new IP or a remaster, but this article addresses the “feeling” of a Bloodborne 2. Leave your guesses in the comments!

1. From + Sony’s Rumored 3 Game deal

A now banned NeoGaff user called Verendus had claimed insider knowledge that Sony and From Software had signed a 3 game deal to bring Bloodborne to reality. This same user had stated “Demon’s Souls 2” was in development in 2013, and this was possibly Bloodborne as a different name was specified. Verendus had also made several other statements that panned out, but given that some of the other predictions did not and that the user was eventually banned we have to take what was said with a healthy grain of salt. Whether the 3 game deal is true or not, it’s hard to say, but if you follow the breadcrumbs in several interviews, they reveal some interesting information that could support this theory:

According to a discussion with Eurogamer, From was concerned about making a game exclusively on a single platform, and Sony convinced them. This could mean a longer term plan was proposed as mitigation against the risk of launch-season development. We also know that Sony is “absolutely” wanting to work with From again:

You also had the Bloodborne DLC, finally. Are you hoping to work with From Software again?

Shuhei Yoshida: Absolutely. As you know, they’re a publisher as well, and also occasionally developer. Being management of From Software, I can totally understand they’re publishers, they have to manage their resources. But also they support Miyazaki-san’s creative vision. Sometimes he might want to do something risky for them – in that case, we might have a chance of working with us. That was the case for Bloodborne. It was early, from a Japanese publisher’s standpoint, to bet big on a PS4-only title. That was a quite large development effort. We’re able to work closely with them. We have great relationships, and because of the nature of them being publishers and developers, it’s a unique relationship. We wish to continue to work with them.

Given the above, and that Sony’s objectives with Bloodborne were fully met (it moved an estimated 2.70 million copies, helped migrate users to PS4, and was successfully merchandised and provided extensive branding for Playstation), commercially, a sequel would be a sure sell.

2. The Supposed Leaked E3 Conference Schedule

A now edited series of articles made the internet rounds recently, showcasing a leaked timeline for E3 events. While Fextralife is going to E3, and we know of certain things coming that everyone is going to be delighted about, we have not seen an official “conference timeline” so we doubt this one is real, particularly when the original form of this came from this NeoGaff thread…BUT, it seems the only change to the articles was the removal of Bloodborne 2 from the list.

Now, going full conspiracy mode, the only reason to remove something from a false article created for clickbait is…? Right, can’t think of anything! So either:

a) The article was real and the Bloodborne 2 listing was incorrect

or

b) The article wasn’t real but the accidental correct listing of Bloodborne 2 triggered a cease-and-desist from Sony

3. From Software Projects + Miyazaki’s Interview

We know, from interviews with Miyazaki, that one of the three confirmed titles From Software is working on is a “Dark Fantasy” RPG. Miyazaki also stated:

The second thing is that one of the new titles I’ve been working on will probably comply with the expectations from the fans in straightforward manner.

From an interview with IGN

Now this could mean a new game, or a remaster…however, we have found proof that From is likely hiring for a “Console, Dark Fantasy, Realistic” “Creature” and “Background” temporary designer. If the title was a remaster, new creature and character design would be unlikely!

The fact the position is temporary means that whatever is being developed is exceeding the permanent staff of the studio, and the fact it’s an artistic position suggests the project is in advanced stages of production, with conceptualization and the engine having been largely completed, and the dress-up part of the game now being worked on.

 

4. The Supposed Leaked Logo

While this could be a well-done make-believe confection, and there are online arguments about whether the TM on the logo would be placed after “Bloodborne” or “Bloodborne 2”, this logo coming to light makes the buzz a little more believable. Additionally, whoever created this logo nailed it! Yes it could be completely fan made, but this has quite the perfect vibe and branding that you would expect from a seasoned developer and publisher.

5. The Developer Buzz & Souls Timeline

Around the time that the leaks began happening, our Twitter feed filled up with subtle Bloodborne-related commentary from developers involved with the original game. This included tweets from PR Manager Yasuhiro Kitao and Game producer Yamagiwa promoting game merchandise and sales a good 2 years after release.

The real mystery tweet though, is a picture of a sushi dinner from February with Shuehi Yoshida, president of SCE Worldwide Studios and FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki.

“Today I had a fantastic conversation. I learned a lot~!”

（´-`）.｡oO (今日は何か凄いお話を聞いています。勉強になるな〜。) pic.twitter.com/d9216mZ45b

— Shuhei Yoshida (@yosp) February 2, 2017

Is Bloodborne 2 Coming to E3 2017?

Given From Software’s production cycle, and the fact that Bloodborne development began in 2013 for an early 2015 release, it’s entirely possible that Bloodborne 2 has been in the works and would be announced at E3 2017 with a release date of March 2018. It fits the development cycles to date, which has made the Souls series a near yearly affair.

 

Given all of the above, it is clear that From Software has been careful not to cannibalize it’s own market by pacing announcements and releases, while also providing multi-platform alternatives to accompany exclusive releases. For example, the “Prepare to Die” PC edition released as Artorias of the Abyss DLC for consoles, and Scholar of the First Sin released on all platforms a month before Bloodborne graced the PS4 crowd.

Now that Dark Souls is said to be “finished”, even though the developers have specifically said they would be open to remasters, it is understandable that players are expecting to see a Bloodborne 2 announcement at E3 2017. As we have explored in this write-up, the signs are there, now we need to see if they turn into reality! May we be granted eyes this June. If it does get announced, here’s a list of things we’d love to see in the sequel.

What are your conclusions? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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