In 2026, the echoes of a controversial gaming marathon still linger in the Soulsborne community. Remember when mega-streamer Kai Cenat, fresh off his Elden Ring triumph, decided to tackle the gothic nightmare of Yharnam? What was anticipated to be a deep dive into a beloved classic turned into a 30-hour sprint to the credits, leaving a trail of bewildered and frustrated fans in its wake. Cenat, having averaged around 70k viewers, didn't just play Bloodborne—he powered through it, skipping optional content, complaining about exploration, and even using exploits. The finale? He crowned himself a potential spokesperson to push for a Bloodborne remaster. But the question on everyone's mind was: did this marathon celebrate the game, or did it do it a massive disservice? 🤔

Bloodborne vs. Elden Ring: A Clash of Philosophies 🎮

Let's get one thing straight: there's no single "right" way to play a FromSoftware game. You create your hunter, you learn the rhythms of combat, and you conquer the nightmare at your own pace. But here's the kicker—Bloodborne is a fundamentally different beast from Elden Ring. While Elden Ring offers a vast, open world to get lost in, Bloodborne is a more focused, claustrophobic, and deliberately paced descent into madness. Its areas are more linear, its lore more esoteric, and its mechanics demand a different kind of respect.

During his stream, Cenat was frequently heard whining about these very differences. He seemed frustrated by the need to progress through specific areas and by mechanics that weren't explicitly handed to him on a silver platter. But isn't that part of Bloodborne's magic? The discovery, the struggle, the "aha!" moment when a confusing mechanic finally clicks? By rushing, he missed the soul of the experience. As one fan pointedly tweeted:

"Bro talked like this but skipped almost every optional boss, rushed through everything, got mad he was stuck on a boss bc of the rushing, screamed then he DOES NOT want to explore the game and used an exploit... kai cenat did bloodborne NO justice at all."

The "Speedrun" Mentality vs. The "First Playthrough" Experience ⏱️

Look, speedrunning is an art form with its own dedicated communities. But a first, blind playthrough? That's sacred territory for many fans. It's a time to:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Uncover every hidden path (like Cainhurst Castle or the Upper Cathedral Ward).

• 🧌 Challenge every optional boss (did he even meet the Celestial Emissary?).

• 📖 Piece together the tragic, beautiful story from item descriptions and environmental clues.

Cenat's approach was the polar opposite. It was a self-inflicted march to the end, a checklist completion rather than an immersive journey. He treated it like a content deadline rather than a masterpiece to be savored. The result? He might have seen the credits roll, but did he truly experience Bloodborne? The consensus from the hardcore community is a resounding no.

The Problematic "Spokesperson" Claim 🎤

The most contentious moment came at the end of the marathon. Cenat declared, "I definitely have the power to bring attention onto a topic within the Souls community... I'll try to push the narrative for something to happen." He was, of course, referring to the mythical Bloodborne remaster/PC port that fans have been begging for since the PS4 era.

On paper, his influence is undeniable. After beating Elden Ring, he was literally sent a life-sized statue of Malenia by the developers—they are watching. His word carries weight. But herein lies the dilemma: Is someone who openly disrespected and misunderstood the game's core design the right champion for its legacy?

Hardcore fans are terrified that his portrayal—rushed, frustrated, and dismissive of exploration—could paint Bloodborne as a boring, obtuse chore to his millions of followers. Could this actually turn people away from trying one of the greatest games of all time? The fear is real. A remaster might fix technical issues, but it can't force a player to appreciate the art they're rushing past.

The Legacy of the Marathon in 2026 🕰️

So, where does this leave us two years later? The marathon stands as a case study in modern streaming culture clashing with classic game design.

The Streamer's Perspective	The Community's Perspective
Content must keep moving; engagement is key.	A first playthrough is a personal, immersive journey.
Beating the game is the primary, broadcastable goal.	Understanding and appreciating the game's world is the goal.
Influencer power can be leveraged for fan causes (e.g., a remaster).	That influence must be earned through genuine respect and understanding.

The core lesson remains vital in 2026: With great viewership comes great responsibility. When you have the power to shape perceptions for millions, how you approach a masterpiece matters. You can choose to showcase its brilliance, or you can reduce it to a series of obstacles to complain about on the way to the next big thing.

Ultimately, Kai Cenat's Bloodborne marathon will be remembered, but not as a celebration of Yharnam. It's remembered as a cautionary tale—a reminder that some games demand more than just a speedrun. They demand your time, your curiosity, and your respect. Let's hope future streamers take note. The hunt is best enjoyed when you take the time to listen to the whispers in the blood, not when you're sprinting past them to the finish line. 🔔