Franchise Revivals
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Evening Reading - October 20, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers a variety of gaming news, including updates for Cyberpunk 2077 and EVE Online, a potential delay for Umamusume: Pretty Derby due to immigration policies, and the announcement of a new Deadlock update. It also touches on financial news for Tesla, SpaceX, and Netflix, and mentions the potential for a 2027 Xbox handheld.
Fire Emblem’s Remarkable Comeback
The Fire Emblem series, once on the verge of cancellation due to declining sales and franchise fatigue, experienced a remarkable comeback starting with Fire Emblem Awakening. This resurgence was driven by innovative gameplay changes, such as the introduction of Casual mode, and a greater emphasis on character development, ultimately solidifying its place as a flagship Nintendo franchise.
Silent Hill Producer “Looking at A Number of Projects” for Second and Third Waves of Franchise
Konami producer Motoi Okamoto revealed that the company is planning "second and third waves" of Silent Hill projects following the successful launch of the initial three titles. While specific details are scarce, Okamoto expressed satisfaction with the reception of Silent Hill: Townfall and the Silent Hill 2 Remake, and indicated a desire for yearly releases in the franchise.
7 dead PlayStation franchises Sony should bring back for PS6 - Reader's Feature
A reader suggests several dormant PlayStation franchises that Sony Interactive Entertainment should consider reviving for the PlayStation 6. The list includes Jak And Daxter, Resistance, MotorStorm, WipEout, PaRappa The Rapper, Gravity Rush, and Warhawk, with potential developers also proposed for each.
Watch Dogs will be "potentially remade" someday, Ubisoft CEO says as the series goes 6 years without a release: "An important brand for the future"
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot stated that the Watch Dogs series is an important brand for the future and is potentially being considered for a remake. While no new game is currently in development, the company sees potential in revisiting the original title.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse was born out of "a sense of urgency," producer says, and if we have to wait 10 years for the next game, "the whole thing is meaningless"
Konami producer Tsutomu Taniguchi stated that Castlevania: Belmont's Curse was developed with a sense of urgency, and that a decade-long wait for the next installment would render the current release meaningless. He noted a decline in active players but an increase in awareness, possibly due to the Netflix series, and expressed hope for future games without specifying a timeline.
PS6 to launch with wave of retro revivals including Sly Cooper and Killzone
A new rumor suggests Sony is considering reviving dormant franchises like Sly Cooper, Killzone, and Ape Escape for the PlayStation 6 launch window. External studios are reportedly being invited to pitch new game ideas for these beloved series, potentially filling out the console's release schedule.
PlayStation Bringing Back Adventure Games Not Seen Since PS3 – Report
Sony is reportedly planning to revive the dormant Ape Escape franchise, which has not seen a new entry since PlayStation 3. While the game is rumored to be in development elsewhere and not by Team Asobi, the specific developer remains unconfirmed, though Bandai Namco Entertainment is not believed to be involved. Classic Ape Escape titles are currently available on PlayStation Plus Premium.
Former Halo lead suggests three ways Activision could revive the legendary series, and urges the company to hire laid off Bungie staff
Former Halo franchise director Frank O'Connor has proposed three potential paths for Activision to revive the Halo series, including hiring laid-off developers from Bungie and Halo Studios. His suggestions range from creating a classic-style Halo to a complete reinvention or a Call of Duty-like annual release model.
How Silent Hill Lost Its Way and Found It Again
The Silent Hill franchise has undergone a significant revival, moving from a period of inconsistent releases and cancelled projects to a successful comeback spearheaded by new titles like the Silent Hill 2 Remake, Silent Hill f, and Silent Hill: Townfall. Konami's strategy of betting big on the franchise with multiple external studios, each bringing a unique vision, has successfully recaptured its psychological horror roots and innovative spirit, suggesting a bright future with potential for annual releases.
Shack Chat: Which developer would you like to see make a Konami game next?
Shacknews staff members discuss which developers they would like to see tackle Konami's classic franchises. Suggestions include Remedy Entertainment for Metal Gear, VS Studio for Bloody Roar, and Yacht Club Games for Contra, among others.
The Sonic The Hedgehog Movie saved the franchise, says Sonic video game director
Video game director Takashi Iizuka stated that the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog movie was crucial in saving the franchise from potential cancellation. He detailed internal struggles to keep the series alive and how the film's success, along with its sequels and spin-offs, revitalized interest and paved the way for future media like a fourth movie and a Netflix cartoon, all while emphasizing a return to the franchise's video game roots.
Activision’s Halo Game: Everything We Know So Far
Microsoft is assigning Activision to develop the next mainline Halo game, a move that has resulted in significant layoffs at 343 Industries, now renamed Halo Studios. While the future of the Halo franchise is uncertain, Microsoft aims to revive its popularity, though some industry figures express skepticism about the cost and efficiency of such an endeavor.
Capcom Is Getting My Hopes Up For Devil May Cry 6 With Its Talk Of “Reactivating” Dormant Franchises
Capcom's recent success with Onimusha: Way of the Sword, which sold 1 million copies on launch day, has prompted the company to discuss reactivating dormant franchises. This has led to speculation about potential new entries in series like Devil May Cry, Lost Planet, Viewtiful Joe, and Dino Crisis.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword hits 1M sales on launch day
Capcom announced that Onimusha: Way of the Sword sold over 1 million copies on its launch day across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. This success marks a strong revival for the dormant franchise, contributing to Capcom's focus on leveraging its back catalogue.
Capcom is reviving more dormant franchises after the success of Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Following the success of Onimusha: Warlords, which sold over a million copies, Capcom is considering reviving other dormant franchises. The company sees potential in its backlog of forgotten intellectual properties.
StarCraft’s website is glitching, possibly as a preamble to a big BlizzCon announcement
The StarCraft: Remastered website is exhibiting glitches and displaying secret messages, fueling speculation about a major announcement at the upcoming BlizzCon. Rumors suggest a potential open-world shooter set in the StarCraft universe, possibly developed in collaboration with Nexon, could be revealed, marking a possible revival for the neglected franchise.
Konami president says "reboots" of Metal Gear, Castlevania, and Silent Hill are "important initiatives" for the company going forward
Konami president Hideki Hayakawa stated that reboots of existing intellectual properties such as Metal Gear, Silent Hill, Castlevania, and Suikoden are important business initiatives. While the company is focused on these established franchises, it also aims to create entirely new genres and works. This announcement comes after a period of fan dissatisfaction and a recent resurgence in well-received remakes and new titles for these series.
Nintendo Coy On Star Fox Numbers After Super Mario Galaxy Movie Push
Nintendo has remained vague about the sales numbers for the new Star Fox game on Nintendo Switch 2, stating it has "performed steadily" since its release. Despite a marketing push including Fox McCloud's appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the game has not yet reached significant sales milestones, missing the 1 million unit threshold for dedicated reporting.
Konami Wants You To Know How Serious It Is About Silent Hill
Konami producer Motoi Okamoto stated that the company's strategy of developing multiple Silent Hill titles simultaneously is to demonstrate its serious commitment to the franchise's future. This approach aims to ensure an annual release of new Silent Hill games, reassuring players of Konami's return to the gaming landscape.
