Game Remasters
Ongoing coverage on Game Remasters.
Latest coverage
"Dragon Age: Origins wasn’t the most attractive game": BioWare's old series producer still thinks a DA remaster trilogy is worth it, but the knowhow isn't there
Former Dragon Age producer Mark Darrah believes a remaster trilogy of the original games would sell well, but acknowledges the technical challenges. He cites the proprietary Eclipse and Lycium engines used in the early titles, contrasting them with the more industry-standard Unreal Engine used for Mass Effect. Darrah also notes that expertise on these older BioWare engines is scarce within the company and externally, making such a project difficult to undertake.
BioWare Lost The Knowledge Needed To Remaster Dragon Age, Former Producer Says
Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah stated that a remaster of the Dragon Age trilogy is unlikely because the studio has lost the necessary institutional knowledge to work with the original games' engines. Unlike the Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, which benefited from the common Unreal Engine 3, the Dragon Age games utilized proprietary engines for which few, if any, developers at BioWare remain knowledgeable. This comes amidst reports of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's poor commercial performance and potential future sale of BioWare by Electronic Arts.
Oblivion Remastered's lengthy patch drought could end with its Switch 2 release, which Bethesda say includes "optimisations" they hope to bring to PC
Bethesda has indicated that optimizations for the upcoming Nintendo Switch version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered may eventually be brought to PC. This comes after a lengthy period without major updates for the game, which has resulted in mixed reviews on Steam due to persistent issues. The studio also commented on a shift in their communication strategy, suggesting it was planned independently of recent industry changes.
Bethesda Chief Todd Howard Issues Rare Reddit Comment, Fans Immediately Call for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Patch
Bethesda's Todd Howard made a rare Reddit comment stating the company is listening to fans. In response, players immediately requested a remaster patch for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, indicating a strong desire for updated classic titles.
A NOTE FROM BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS
Bethesda Game Studios outlined its future plans, confirming ongoing development for Starfield, Fallout 5, and The Elder Scrolls VI using Creation Engine 3. The studio also announced remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, a new Fallout 76 expansion titled Raven Rock, and a new Fallout project with Obsidian Entertainment. Additionally, they highlighted the success of their Creations platform and the upcoming Fallout Shelter television series.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced: PS5 Pro enhancements detailed
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, a modernized version of the 2013 game, is launching on July 9 for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro. The update features significant graphical enhancements including 60 FPS options, HDR, Dolby Atmos, DualSense support, and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for lighting and reflections. The game also utilizes micropolygon geometry and an updated Anvil engine for a more dynamic and visually cohesive world.
The Company of Heroes Definitive Edition has arrived, making the iconic strategy game even better
Relic Entertainment has announced the upcoming Company of Heroes Definitive Edition, which will include the base game along with its Opposing Fronts and Tales of Valor expansions. This enhanced version will feature improved visuals, a modernized user interface, and continued support for user-created mods. While a specific release date has not been set, it is anticipated to launch this year, coinciding with the original game's 20th anniversary.
Former Destiny 2 boss won't say "Destiny 1 remaster" out loud, but suggests it might not be a good idea: "Studios can only afford so many bets"
Former Destiny 2 lead Mark Noseworthy discussed the business considerations of game remasters, suggesting a Destiny 1 remaster might not be a wise investment for Bungie. He highlighted the high costs, opportunity costs, and market demand as key factors, implying that studios have limited resources for such projects.
Why Nostalgic Game Remasters Perform Well on Xbox
Nostalgic game remasters continue to perform well on Xbox due to a combination of improved graphics, smoother performance, and the emotional connection players have with classic titles. Digital accessibility through storefronts and the role of online communities further contribute to their success, allowing both long-time fans to revisit favorites and new players to discover influential games.