A rumor about a potential remake of the beloved 2004 RPG Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines has emerged, stemming from an onstage comment made by the industrial metal band Genitorturers. A user on the Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines subreddit shared an account of the band's lead singer, according to the user, mentioning a Bloodlines remake during a concert in Brooklyn, New York.
The band undeniably performed at Brooklyn's The Meadows on October 15 as part of their "Live + Lewd Tour." While no other corroborating accounts of the alleged announcement have surfaced, the report has sparked discussion among fans of the cult classic game. Activision, one of the rights holders for the Vampire: The Masquerade franchise, and representation for Genitorturers have been contacted for comment.
A Tangential Connection
Genitorturers' music featured in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, contributing to the game's distinctive atmosphere. Their track "Lecher Bitch" was notably used as diegetic music within The Last Round, a downtown Los Angeles bar frequented by the Anarch vampire faction. The game's score also included licensed tracks from various metal bands, a common practice for creating an era-appropriate ambiance in its Los Angeles setting.
Speculation and Possibilities
Commenters on the Reddit thread have speculated that the remark could be a misheard or misinterpreted reference to Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, the sequel which has undergone significant development changes. It's also suggested that band members might be operating with outdated information, a scenario not uncommon for projects that have faced development challenges or changes in ownership among various stakeholders.
Should a remake materialize, discussions have turned to which studio would be best suited for the task. Nightdive Studios is frequently mentioned due to their work on other acclaimed remasters. Fans also express a strong desire for the involvement of Werner "Wesp5" Spahl, the creator of the widely respected unofficial patch that has kept the original Bloodlines playable and improved for years. The challenge of replicating the original game's unique mood and aesthetic is also a point of consideration for any potential remake or remaster.
Why Bloodlines Matters
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is lauded as an exceptional RPG, drawing comparisons to the Fallout series for its open-ended design and reactive world. Developed in part by individuals who worked on the early Fallout titles, the game presented a gothic, noir-infused vision of Los Angeles that remains one of the most atmospheric settings in the genre. Despite its initial jankiness, the game has maintained a dedicated following, largely thanks to the efforts of its modding community.
The original game is available on PC platforms like Steam and GOG, often at a reduced price during sales. The rumor, however thin, has reignited enthusiasm for a game that continues to resonate with players over two decades after its release.