Vampire Masquerade Bloodlines 2 has been through more twists than a Hollywood thriller, and now there’s another major plot development. The developers just announced they’re making significant adjustments to the game, with details dropping on September 17, 2025.
If you pre-ordered on PlayStation Store, you’ll get an automatic refund on September 8. Don’t panic though – you can pre-order again before the October 21 launch date. This move has fans wondering: are we finally getting the RPG we’ve been waiting for?
What’s Really Happening Behind the Scenes
Let’s be honest – Vampire Masquerade Bloodlines 2 has had a rougher development cycle than most games survive. Originally announced in 2019, the project has switched studios, rebooted multiple times, and faced countless delays.
The current version comes from The Chinese Room, who took over after Hardsuit Labs was removed from the project. What we’re getting now is reportedly more like Dishonored than the beloved RPG original that fans remember. That’s created a massive divide in the community.
The DLC Controversy That Won’t Die
One of the biggest complaints? The Toreador clan is locked behind a $30 day-one DLC called “Shadows and Silk.” For fans of the original, this feels like paying extra for content that should be included from the start.
The hopeful side of the community thinks these September 17 announcements might address this issue. Maybe those clans will become part of the base game. The cynical side expects more monetization schemes designed to exploit fear of missing out.
Missing Features That Have Fans Worried
Here’s where things get really concerning for longtime fans. The new Vampire Masquerade Bloodlines 2 is missing several core features from the original:
- No character creation system
- No firearms combat
- No traditional RPG stats or stat checks
- No inventory management
- Missing classic clans like Nosferatu, Gangrel, and Malkavian
- No humanity system or frenzy mechanics
Instead, you’re getting a more streamlined experience focused on stealth and vampire abilities. Think less “deep RPG customization” and more “supernatural action game.”
Is This Still Bloodlines 2?
That’s the million-dollar question. Many community members argue that calling this game Vampire Masquerade Bloodlines 2 sets expectations the final product can’t meet. The original was a cult classic RPG with deep character customization and meaningful choices.
This new version sounds more like a spiritual successor that happens to share the name. Some players suggest it should have been called something else entirely to manage expectations better.
What to Expect from September 17
The developers promise to share details about their “adjustments” on September 17. Based on community speculation and the timing of the PS Store refunds, we might see:
| Possible Change | Community Hope Level | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| DLC clans become free | High | Medium |
| Pricing restructure | Medium | High |
| Additional RPG elements | High | Low |
| Another delay | Low | Medium |
The refund situation suggests something significant is changing with the pre-order packages. Whether that’s good news for players remains to be seen.
The Chinese Room’s Track Record
To be fair to the current developers, The Chinese Room has created some well-regarded games. They’re not amateurs, and they inherited a project that had already been through development hell twice.
The challenge is living up to the Bloodlines name while creating something that can actually ship. Sometimes compromise is necessary, even if it disappoints some fans.
Should You Still Be Excited?
Here’s the thing about Vampire Masquerade Bloodlines 2 – it might end up being a perfectly good game that just isn’t the sequel fans wanted. If you can separate it from the original and judge it on its own merits, you might find something to enjoy.
The vampire setting is still compelling, the abilities look interesting in gameplay footage, and The Chinese Room knows how to create atmospheric experiences. It’s just not the deep RPG that made the original special.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Vampire Masquerade Bloodlines 2 release?
The current release date is October 21, 2025. This could change depending on what’s announced on September 17.
Will the DLC clans become free?
Nothing’s confirmed, but the timing of the refunds and upcoming announcement suggests major changes to the DLC structure.
Can I still pre-order after the refund?
Yes, pre-orders will reopen before the October 21 launch date with updated pricing and content information.
How different is this from the original Bloodlines?
Very different. This version focuses more on action and stealth rather than deep RPG mechanics and character customization.
Who’s developing the game now?
The Chinese Room took over development after Hardsuit Labs was removed from the project. They’ve essentially rebuilt the game from scratch.
Are the original developers involved?
No, most of the original team found out they were fired through Twitter announcements. The current game uses some assets but has a completely new story and approach.
The Bottom Line
Vampire Masquerade Bloodlines 2 represents one of gaming’s most complicated development stories. Whatever gets announced on September 17 will likely determine whether this project can salvage some goodwill from longtime fans.
The smart money says to wait and see what the final product actually looks like before making any judgments. This game has surprised everyone so many times that one more twist wouldn’t shock anyone at this point.