In May, the Fate franchise will celebrate two decades since its debut. It first captivated gamers in 2005, whisking them into heroic battles and guiding them as they conquered countless creatures beyond the Dungeon Gate. This iconic dungeon crawler has become more than a game; it’s a cherished memory for many, sparking the creativity of future developers and leaving a lasting influence on the action RPG genre. The same creators later gave us Torchlight, another beloved dungeon crawler that achieved great success.
Recognizing the significant impact of the Fate series, its 20th anniversary calls for a celebration that honors the essence of what made it remarkable in the first place: a remaster that stays true to the magic players fell in love with.
Launching on March 12 for Xbox Series X|S, Fate: Reawakened offers the ultimate experience by bringing together all four games in the action-packed series into one must-have bundle.
### The Rise of Fate
When it first hit the scene, Fate opened up new possibilities in the action RPG realm. In stark contrast to the dark and brooding style typical of RPGs at the time, Fate dared to be vibrant and colorful, attracting a younger audience and families alike.
There was a time when Fate came pre-installed on some Windows computers, making it incredibly accessible and boosting its popularity over the years. Players loved the endless challenges of the dungeon depths and were charmed by the adorable pets who journeyed with them.
As the game’s fan base grew, so did its community. Even though a new game hasn’t graced us since 2011, forums, social media, and platforms like Discord and YouTube remain bustling with passionate fans and enthusiastic modders. The franchise’s enduring popularity speaks volumes, and when an opportunity arose to revisit this beloved series, the excitement was palpable.
### An Idea is Sparked
The journey to breathe new life into Fate began around 2019 when gamigo acquired the game’s original developer, WildTangent. With the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020, determining the best way to revive the series took some time. However, the goal was clear: commemorate Fate’s 20th anniversary with a remaster that would reignite the series’ magic.
Though much has changed since Fate’s inception in 2005, its gameplay remains strong. We realized the need to extend its reach by updating it for the platforms players gravitate towards today. Until now, the franchise was confined to PC, but expanding onto consoles and adding more language support was a chance to reach an entirely new audience.
### A Delicate Undertaking
Embracing a series loved by so many comes with great responsibility. With Fate: Reawakened, we focused on enhancing what already makes the franchise special, rather than altering its core essence.
One way we ensured we stayed true to the original was by showcasing an alpha demo at PAX West 2024. The feedback from players, whether new or seasoned veterans, was invaluable. Long-time fans knew exactly what Fate should feel like and offered insights that were critical in shaping the remaster. Equally enlightening was watching newcomers navigate the demo, allowing us to identify potential areas of confusion.
PAX West was an incredible opportunity to gather a broad range of perspectives, but we also wanted to ensure the hardcore fans were satisfied. So, a select group of dedicated community members participated in a closed beta, offering detailed feedback and suggestions. Their input was essential in polishing the final product.
Internally, our team, many of whom are fans themselves, put a lot of love into the development process. The dark and atmospheric Druantia area, for instance, required multiple rounds of feedback to capture the essence of the original while updating it for modern audiences.
### Reawakening Your Inner Hero
Fate: Reawakened is not just for the series but a tribute to its devoted community. The creativity and passion of players have kept the spirit of Fate alive, and we’re thrilled to usher in the franchise’s next chapter. Are you ready to rediscover your inner hero and choose your Fate?
Fate: Reawakened will be available on Xbox Series X|S on March 12, and you can already add it to your wishlist on the Microsoft Store.
