Intro

After delving into development hell, Bloodlines 2 seemingly found a way out but those with the power to call the shots decided to try sticking it back in. Paradox Interactive, well-known for having games with a ton of DLC, is the game’s publisher and while everyone was outraged about Day 1 DLC, some were less than surprised.

Day 1 DLC clan controversy

With the first Bloodlines featuring 7 vampire clans, which can offer different powers or mold the entire playthrough in unexpected ways, hopes for Bloodlines 2 were that the developers would at least try to compete with the admittedly high bar set up by the original.

However, The Chinese Room went with 6 clans in total while cutting off the most unique ones that were present in the original – Malkavians and Nosferatu. This was a big blow to the sequel’s reputation but longtime fans were willing to give it benefit of the doubt. To make sure not even the hardcore fans could be satisfied, it was soon announced that 2 out of 6 clans would be locked behind Day 1 DLC.

Backlash and sales were obviously affected by the announcement, prompting a promise of “adjustments” to the two clans.

Promised “adjustments” remain vague

Rock Paper Shotgun caught a screenshot of an announcement about a new VtM: Bloodlines 2 stream, set for August 27, 2025, which also touched the subject of DLC clans.

When companies reverse the ferret, they usually like to say they “listened to feedback” which is a fairly broad term in this context. On rare occasions, the fans’ words do affect decision making for games in development but more often than not, these changes are the result of potential players voting with their wallet.

We are inclined to believe it is the latter that caused the “adjustments” to happen, since Bloodlines 2 is roughly 2 months away from release but it is by no means selling well on Steam. Last time we checked Steam’s top sellers, the game was earning less than the ill-fated Suicide Squad game that was released a year and a half ago.