In May, the Fate franchise turns 20 years old. Since its inception in 2005, gamers have been stepping into the shoes of powerful heroes, facing off against the myriad creatures lurking beyond the Dungeon Gate. Not only has the series left an indelible mark on the childhoods of countless players, but it’s also inspired the next generation of game developers and made a lasting impact on the action RPG genre. It’s worth noting that the creators of Fate ventured on to develop Torchlight, another highly successful title in the dungeon-crawler space.
Given everything the series has come to represent, it seems only fitting that Fate’s two-decade milestone would be celebrated in style — with a remaster that holds true to the elements players fell in love with originally.
Scheduled for release on March 12 on Xbox Series X|S, Fate: Reawakened brings the definitive experience of the acclaimed dungeon crawler to a new audience, bundling all four Fate games in one explosive package.
When Fate first hit the scene, it offered a refreshing take in a genre often characterized by dark, moody aesthetics. By opting for a bright, colorful style, it became especially attractive to younger players and families. At one point, Fate even came pre-installed on some Windows computers, greatly enhancing its accessibility and skyrocketing its popularity. Players were drawn to its seemingly endless challenges and the charming pets that could join them on their adventures.
As the series grew, so did its devoted community. Despite not having a new entry since 2011, fans stayed active in places like Discord, YouTube, and other social media, showcasing a level of dedication and enthusiasm for Fate that can’t be overstated. So, when the opportunity arose to dive back into the franchise, it sparked a wave of excitement.
The chance to revisit Fate began when gamigo acquired WildTangent, the original creators of the series, in 2019. The pandemic in 2020 did slow the decision process about how to best approach this revival, but the idea of a remaster to honor the series’ 20th birthday seemed perfect. With the gaming landscape having shifted significantly since 2005, it was crucial to modernize the game and reach out to new platforms and languages, drawing in fresh audiences beyond the series’ longstanding PC roots.
Taking on a beloved classic is a delicate task; altering the core of Fate was never the plan. Instead, Fate: Reawakened aims to amplify the very qualities that made it special. Such dedication was clear during its alpha demo at PAX West 2024. There, we received invaluable feedback from both veteran fans and newcomers alike. Veterans knew what the game should deliver and what needed to remain untouched, adding significant value to our project. Meanwhile, observing new players experience the game underscored areas needing refinement to meet modern expectations.
To further ensure that we were staying true to the series’ spirit, we organized a closed beta for a select group of engaged community members. These hardcore fans provided essential insights, enabling a final polish ensuring that the remaster does justice to Fate’s legacy.
Internally, our team, filled with avid Fate fans, worked tirelessly throughout development. One notable undertaking involved the dark, atmospheric Druantia area. We had to refine its lighting multiple times to properly preserve its original essence.
Fate: Reawakened stands as a tribute to both the series and its ever-loyal fans. It’s thrilling to witness the ways players have expressed their passion over the years. As we venture into this next era of Fate, we invite you to tap into your inner hero once more. Are you ready to determine your Fate?
The game is launching on Xbox Series X|S on March 12, and it’s already available to be added to your wishlist on the Microsoft Store.
