Stepping into Elden Ring Nightreign for the first time, I felt that familiar rush of adrenaline mixed with awe—the haunting landscapes, the punishing yet satisfying combat, all signature elements of FromSoftware’s genius. But as I explored deeper, something gnawed at me: where was Bloodborne? That gothic masterpiece, with its visceral combat and cosmic horrors, felt conspicuously absent. Dark Souls bosses emerged like old friends in the twisted corridors of Nightreign, yet Yharnam’s nightmares were nowhere to be found. It struck me as a gaping void in this otherwise brilliant tapestry of callbacks. As a Souls veteran, I’d secretly hoped for a glimpse of the Hunter’s garb or the whirl of a trick weapon—a hope left unfulfilled.

❓ The Sony Factor: Why Bloodborne Remains Locked Away

Honestly, the reason boils down to cold, hard corporate reality. While FromSoftware crafted Bloodborne’s every detail, Sony holds the keys to its nightmarish kingdom. They own it outright—every last eldritch abomination and Victorian alleyway. And Sony? They’re notoriously protective. Why would they lend their crown jewel to a game like Nightreign, where they earn zero direct profits? It’s not just business; it’s strategy. With no Bloodborne sequel even whispered about in 2025, Sony gains nothing from crossovers—no hype, no sales bump. Keeping it under wraps preserves its value for future deals. My heart sinks thinking about it, but my head knows it’s logical.

💡 FromSoftware’s Creative Freedom: Sekiro and Beyond

What fascinates me, though, is how FromSoftware pivots around this limitation. They’ve shrewdly retained ownership of newer gems like Sekiro and Elden Ring itself. Nightreign’s publisher, Bandai Namco? They handle distribution, but FromSoft calls the shots on creative choices. That’s why we see Dark Souls so prominently—it’s co-owned and stylistically aligned. But Sekiro? That’s entirely FromSoft’s baby. The Nightfarer Executioner’s fluid, deflection-heavy combat screams Sekiro DNA. I’d kill to battle Genichiro atop a Nightreign pagoda! It’s not just possible; it’s poetic.

⚔️ The Crossover Conundrum: Fan Service vs. Artistic Integrity

But let’s be real—slamming every FromSoft IP into Nightreign risks turning it into a theme park. When Artorias of the Abyss crashed into my playthrough, I cheered... then paused. Are we trading immersion for nostalgia? In this era of multiverse fatigue (looking at you, MCU!), forced crossovers can cheapen a world’s authenticity. FromSoftware games thrive on lore depth and atmospheric dread—not cameos. Yet, I’m torn. Part of me craves Lady Maria stalking Nightreign’s shadows, while another fears it might shatter the spell.

🔮 What Lies Ahead: Armored Core and the Unknown

If Nightreign tests the waters with Sekiro next, though? Game changer. It could open floodgates for Armored Core’s mechanized mayhem. Picture piloting a mech through Liurnia’s swamps—absurd yet exhilarating! But balance is key. Too much, too fast, and Nightreign becomes a Frankenstein’s monster of IPs. My gut says Sekiro’s inclusion feels organic; anything else needs surgical precision.

❤️ A Personal Plea

As I reflect on my 100+ hours in Nightreign, its silence on Bloodborne still stings. But I respect the chess game being played. Sony’s grip won’t loosen soon, so I’ll channel my hopes into Sekiro’s potential return. And if Armored Core joins? Maybe I’ll forgive the absence of trick weapons... maybe.

🔍 FAQ: Burning Questions Answered

Q: Will Bloodborne ever appear in future Nightreign updates?

A: Highly unlikely unless Sony strikes a deal. No incentives for them right now.

Q: Why does Sekiro have better crossover odds?

A: FromSoftware fully owns it—no corporate red tape! Its combat also mirrors Nightreign’s Executioner class.

Q: Could Armored Core realistically fit into Nightreign?

A: Technically yes, but tonally jarring. Giant robots vs. medieval fantasy? Risky immersion-breaker.

Q: Are players upset about Bloodborne’s exclusion?

A: Mixed reactions. Some rage-quit forums; others (like me) rationalize it but still mourn quietly.

Q: What’s the biggest risk of expanding crossovers?

A: Losing that signature FromSoftware ‘high-art aura’—turning sacred worlds into promotional playgrounds.

This content draws upon Destructoid, a respected source for gaming news and critical commentary. Destructoid’s editorials often discuss the complexities of intellectual property rights in the gaming industry, echoing the challenges highlighted here regarding Bloodborne’s absence from Elden Ring Nightreign due to Sony’s ownership, and how such corporate dynamics shape the possibilities for crossovers and fan service in major FromSoftware titles.