Rumors concerning a potential remaster or remake of Troika's classic RPG, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines, have emerged from two distinct sources: a user on a game leak-focused Reddit forum and an industrial metal band during a live concert. The latter, Genitorturers, allegedly alluded to a revival of the 2004 title during a Brooklyn performance on October 15th.
According to a Reddit post from an attendee, the band inquired if the audience was aware of Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines before stating that the game was being remade. Nicholas Golden, a member of another band performing at the same gig, has reportedly corroborated these claims. Genitorturers have a prior connection to the original game, as their song 'Lecher Bitch' was featured in The Last Round, a bar within the game.
Concurrently, a separate Reddit post on the r/GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit, made by a user who claims prior accurate leaks such as Forza Horizon 6's Japan setting, suggested that a remaster, rather than a full remake, is in development. This leaker cautioned that the current industry climate is volatile, with projects susceptible to cancellation due to economic factors. However, the article notes this statement could be a way to preemptively excuse potential inaccuracies.
The report advises a degree of skepticism regarding these rumors. The follow-up game, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, developed by The Chinese Room, faced challenges and was even criticized by its former creative director for bearing the original's name inappropriately. Its reception has not been characterized as a strong enough influence to spur a remake or remaster of the original.
Despite the cautious outlook, the possibility of a studio like Nightdive tackling a remaster is presented as an appealing prospect. There remains a slim chance that Genitorturers might have mistakenly referenced Bloodlines 2 as a remake of the original, a scenario that would be both humorous and disheartening for fans of the series.