When it first launched in 2004, there were already many things working together towards its success at that point in time. No one dares to launch a game as highly anticipated as Half-Life 2 without finishing it, only to be pushed out half-baked due to an unexpected company mandate to meet the release date – which, incidentally, utilized the same brand-new engine that Valve used for V:TM-B, developed in-house rather than through a third-party licence, giving them a significant advantage.
In retrospect, the catastrophic launch of Bloodlines starkly illustrates how dramatically the gaming industry has evolved over the past two decades. In today’s gaming landscape, if a similar situation arose, it’s plausible that publishers would focus on releasing a tie-in game for a niche tabletop RPG, leveraging online platforms to launch the title simultaneously with a top-tier Game of the Year contender. Given that the initial launch date was already delayed, it’s likely that the release would be pushed back several more months to avoid conflicting with other attention-grabbing events, a strategy that ironically eluded Bloodlines’ developer Troika Games despite being exactly what they needed and wanted but never achieved.
Despite an underwhelming launch, Bloodlines surprisingly garnered significant recognition at a relatively swift pace. Long before it acquired its iconic status, Dungeons & Dragons’ enduring popularity was built on the unwavering dedication of its earliest enthusiasts, whose passion and loyalty paved the way for its widespread recognition today.
In 2024, it’s unlikely that a game with optimal performance out of the box would be instantly written off as “mid” and relegated to obscurity, only to be remembered as a minor footnote in gaming history, as players would instead focus on just a few of the many new releases that week. Considering the circumstances, one might empathize with their perspective.
The world of two decades ago was vastly distinct: fewer video games were circulating, and slower access to new releases prevailed, as digital distribution remained in its formative stages – recall Steam’s infancy at this point, offering only Valve-developed titles. As a result, a game like Bloodlines could still gain traction with an 80% average critical rating, quickly become a favorite among gamers, and even garner a modest collection of end-of-year awards despite launching mid-November amidst intense competition.
A special acknowledgement goes to our esteemed character, the enigmatic Tremere sorceress, one of the 14 distinct playstyles available in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines. As she possesses a scarcity of physical strength, she more than compensates by harnessing the dark magic that allows her to ensnare her foes in mid-air, conjuring forth their very lifeblood as a potent snare. |
Unfortunately, the Bloodlines franchise remains mired in stagnation to date. Given the circumstances surrounding Troika Games’ demise shortly after Bloodlines’ release, it was unlikely that fans would ever see a sequel. As the 2019 release of one drew near, it wasn’t a surprise that the initial launch window coincided with the unique sport’s fifteenth anniversary. However, this also meant potentially clashing with the highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077, which had initially been slated for release around the same time, sparking humorous discussions about generational curses tempering the excitement.
Five years and numerous delays have elapsed since the initial announcement of Bloodlines 2, yet it remains absent from store shelves – with the game undergoing such significant changes that it’s almost unrecognizable from its original form. What began as a closely modeled direct sequel developed by Hardsuit Labs has transformed into a spiritual successor rebuilt from scratch by The Chinese Room. As production woes persist, whispers of a 2025 release for V:TM-B2 have become increasingly plausible, yet it’s undeniable that the project’s troubled history has proven far more accurate than anyone dared predict.
Although my affection for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines remains unwavering, even two decades on, I approach Bloodlines 2 with measured optimism, having weathered the passage of time to reach this point.
Notwithstanding being considered higher within the context that there have truly been 11 official VTM video game titles (plus numerous sanctioned VTM sport jam releases) over the past two decades, none of which were Bloodlines sequels, it has demonstrated the IP’s adaptability to sustain a steady flow of quality games, even if they lack the scope and reach to set the world ablaze.
As a result, I ponder whether creating a World of Darkness-flavoured Dishonored-style game, loosely inspired by The Chinese Room thought experiment, would yield an honest and engaging experience that stands up independently – even if it bears little relation to its original source material.
While I’ve touched on this topic in our 2023 year-end video recaps, Baldur’s Gate 3, last year’s runaway Game of the Year winner, has in certain respects already satiated my desire for a modern Vampire: The Masquerade sequel. As an immersive RPG deeply rooted in a beloved tabletop setting, distinguished by its masterful storytelling, meticulously crafted world-building, and exceptional performances – including the captivating portrayal of a troubled vampire – Baldur’s Gate 3 has already demonstrated that the V:TM-B formula can be the most successful concept in video games if a developer is afforded the necessary time, space, funding, and resources to create a game that truly realizes its remarkable potential.
As viewed through an expansive, holistic prism, Bloodlines’ enduring impact has already reached a full-circle completion. With its retro flair, the title became the first online game to sweep all five major Game of the Year (GOTY) awards, solidifying its status as an unparalleled achievement in the notoriously subjective realms of art and entertainment. Bloodlines 2’s destiny is already sealed: whether it garners adoration, ignominy, or swift oblivion, its identity remains tied to the original Bloodlines, a cult classic that redefined RPG storytelling in gaming.
