A Change.org petition to bring Bloodborne to the PC has nearly garnered its required number of signatures, with its creator claiming that developer From Software has “betrayed” PC gamers by releasing their latest title exclusively on the PS4.
Obviously, this petition will have no impact whatsoever on From Software’s decision to keep the game a PS4 exclusive or bring it to other formats, as that responsibility lies with its publisher, Sony. While in an ideal world it would be preferable for every game to release on every platform and thus mean that everyone could share the same experiences, it’s not as if From Software has decided to release Bloodborne as a PS4 exclusive is an act of spite, and the petition reeks of a staggering sense of entitlement.
Also See: Bloodborne Review – Bloodbath & Beyond
Non-independent developers require publishers to get their games off the ground, and as such exclusivity deals are part and parcel of the industry. Take Bayonetta 2, for example. While many complained that the game would be releasing exclusively on the Wii U, its developer Platinum Games stated that the lack of interest from other publishers meant that, without the help of Nintendo, the game may not have even been released. It’s certainly unfortunate that Bloodborne will only be able to be enjoyed by PS4 owners, but we simply do not know the background of the game and Sony’s involvement with its development. As such, we shouldn’t feel as though it’s somehow our right to gain access to the game if we don’t own a PS4.
The petition, which was created 9 months ago but has received a new wave of support due to the game’s release this week, addresses From Software directly, reading: “Everyone should be able to play your game. It is not fair that we are left out. You have betrayed us after releasing your last two games on PC.” It’s also oddly titled “Release Bloodborne for the Personalized Computing platform,” as though we all need to have the PC acronym transcribed for us.
The petition has now surpassed the 13,000 signatures mark and is on its way to reaching its 15,000 goal. If Bloodborne eventually does release for the PC, it’s unlikely that this little protest will have had anything to do with it.
