As May approaches, we find ourselves celebrating two decades since the inception of the Fate franchise. It’s hard to believe that it’s already been 20 years since players first assumed the role of heroic adventurers ready to conquer the many beasts lurking beyond the Dungeon Gate. Since its debut in 2005, this legendary dungeon crawler series hasn’t just been a pastime; it’s molded young minds, sparked inspiration among budding game developers, and left an indelible impression on the action RPG genre. Interestingly, the brilliant minds behind Fate later brought us Torchlight, another beloved dungeon crawler that gained tremendous acclaim.
Reflecting on Fate’s profound impact, it’s only right that its 20th anniversary be commemorated with something that matches the essence of the series—a captivating remaster that retains the core elements that endeared it to players.
Come March 12, Fate: Reawakened steps onto the scene for Xbox Series X|S, heralding itself as the ultimate version of the award-winning dungeon crawler. This special edition bundles together all four games in the Fate series, serving up an exhilarating experience.
The Rise of Fate
When Fate first hit the market, it carved a niche for itself by bringing fresh possibilities to the action RPG genre. During an era rife with dark, somber RPGs, Fate’s vibrant and lively art style stood out, capturing the hearts of younger players and families alike.
At one point, Fate’s influence was so pervasive it came pre-loaded on some Windows PCs. This widespread availability catapulted it to popularity, as players were drawn to the endless adventures offered by the dungeon’s depths and the charming pets that accompanied them.
As the years rolled on, Fate’s community flourished; despite no new releases since 2011, its presence remained robust on platforms like Discord, YouTube, and various social media. The enduring dedication of Fate fans is a testament to its significance, and this unwavering support fueled our excitement when we considered new projects for the franchise.
An Idea is Sparked
Our journey to revive Fate began in 2019 when gamigo acquired WildTangent, the series’ original publisher and owner. The pandemic in 2020 momentarily put our plans on hold, but we were adamant about revisiting the series with care and consideration. Ultimately, we chose to commemorate Fate’s 20th Anniversary by launching a remaster, bringing the nostalgic franchise back into the spotlight.
A lot has changed since 2005, and while Fate’s charm still resonates, modernizing it for today’s platforms was essential. Until now, the series was confined to PCs, so bringing it to consoles and expanding language support allowed us to reach a broader audience.
A Delicate Undertaking
Revamping a beloved classic like Fate demands a delicate touch; the essence that made it great could not be tampered with. Fate: Reawakened focuses on enhancing what fans already love while keeping its original appeal intact.
One pivotal step was showcasing an alpha demo at PAX West 2024. Attendees included both newcomers and long-time fans who grew up with the game. Their feedback was priceless. Veteran players knew precisely how the game should feel, and their insights were crucial in ensuring we nailed the remaster. Equally enlightening was watching fresh eyes navigate the game, helping identify where they might stumble or become confused.
Our presence at PAX West was invaluable; we approached eager to showcase our work and left with constructive criticism that fueled further improvements.
The hardcore fans, however, are our key audience. To connect with them, we launched a closed beta with devoted members from the Fate community. These were the aficionados, the ones who live and breathe every detail of the game. Their detailed feedback was pivotal, guiding us toward further refinements and ensuring the remaster captured the series’ spirit.
Reawakening Your Inner Hero
Fate: Reawakened is our tribute—a heartfelt nod to both the series and its dedicated community. Seeing the creative ways players have cherished and championed Fate over the years has been incredibly inspiring. As we usher in this new era for the Fate franchise, we invite you to rediscover your inner hero. Are you ready to forge your path once more?
Join us as Fate: Reawakened launches on March 12 for the Xbox Series X|S. You can add it to your wish list today on the Microsoft Store.
