Since the initial release ofBloodborne,fans of the game have been clamoring for a sequel, butBloodborne 2has since remained only a desperate wish.Bloodborneis markedlydifferent fromThe Elder Scrolls, but the two franchise’s sequels share something in common that has the potential to hold them back and serves as a major hurdle to their success. This common ground unites the two games in an unlikely and unfavorable way, but it will be interesting to see how From Software and Bethesda respectively manage to overcome that should they ever get around to releasing a sequel.
NeitherBloodbornenorSkyrimhave sequels yet. AlthoughThe Elder Scrolls 6was announced, there hasn’t been any news about the title for over two years.Bloodborne 2is in perhaps a more extreme situation, as fans seem to wholeheartedly believe that it will come someday but From Software has never made an official announcement confirming that it is even in development. Despite this, both games remain highly anticipated, and both have an incredible legacy to live up to. Fans are going to have high expectations for these games, both because of the quality of their preceding titles and the long wait leading up to them.
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The Elder Scrolls 6 and Bloodborne Expectations
Both of these titles are just short of being considered genre-defining, asThe Elder Scrolls: MorrowindandObliviontruly pioneered Bethesda’s open world experience whileSkyrimrefined it and made it more available. Likewise,Dark Soulsshould be attributed for the creation and popularizing of the Soulslike genre, butBloodbornemanaged to create an entirely new subgenre within that. Because of this, making a sequel to either of these games is tough, as fans will be expecting a lot and will view it with extra scrutiny.
Even so, it doesn’t seem thatBethesda or From Softwarecan “afford” not to make these sequels, as they are almost guaranteed money. Players are so excited at the concept of these games that even though there is literally no information about either of them, there are entire online groups dedicated to them. This works as a double edged sword, as while the excitement is good for creating buzz about a title, the developers probably feel as though they’re under a microscope with every change or addition they make to the previous titles' familiar formats.
How Each Sequel Can Overcome Expectations
With all that in mind, both of these titles will need to find a way to meet and even rise above these expectations if they are going to be successful. This will arguably be easier for From Software, as it will get to see how theDemon’s Souls Remakeand eventuallyElden Ringperform on next gen consoles. Those titles can be used as a sort of test run to make sure that the formula still works and players still enjoy whatever changes do need to be made. Things are likely to be a bit more difficult for Bethesda, however, which other titles for certain tests but nothing quite likeElder Scrolls.
Even as beloved asSkyrimis, most would agree that it feels pretty outdated by now. Having released almost nine years ago and withSkyrimbeing re-released over and over again,Skyrimmay not feel modern enough for players. It’s also worth noting that there was no current genElder Scrollstitle, thoughFallout 4could be viewed as a proxy. Bethesda is going to need to do quite a bit of overhauling to overcome this, but if it changes too muc,h fans may be unhappy about that as well. Striking the balance will be difficult, but hopefully, it rises to the occasion.
Bloodborne 2is not yet in production.
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