As we step into May, it’s hard to believe that the Fate franchise is approaching its 20th year. Since 2005, countless gamers have embraced the call to adventure, bravely confronting the many beasts waiting behind the Dungeon Gate. The series, beloved for its classic dungeon crawling thrills, has not only been a hallmark of childhood gaming memories but has also fueled the imaginations of future developers and left a lasting legacy on the action RPG scene. The brains behind Fate eventually brought us another gem, the critically acclaimed Torchlight series.
Acknowledging the profound influence of Fate, the timing felt just right to celebrate its two-decade milestone with something equally epic—a heart-pounding remaster that captures the essence of why it struck a chord with gamers in the first place.
And here it comes: Fate: Reawakened, set to launch on March 12 for the Xbox Series X|S, is the ultimate edition of this award-winning dungeon crawler. For the first time, it bundles all four Fate games into one adrenaline-fueled package.
Reflecting on its debut, Fate was a breath of fresh air for the action RPG genre. At a time when many RPGs felt steeped in darkness, Fate dared to bring a vivid and lively art style, making it a favorite among younger players and families alike. Its widespread reach was partly thanks to being pre-installed on many Windows PCs, amplifying its popularity and inviting players to delve into its endless dungeon challenges and enjoy the companionship of its charming pets.
Over time, Fate cultivated a vibrant community. Even without a new mainline game since 2011, spaces like Discord, YouTube, and other social media platforms buzzed with the enthusiasm of Fate fans and modders. This enduring passion swayed us to seize the chance for a new chapter in the series. The notion of revisiting Fate took root in 2019 when gamigo acquired WildTangent, the original rights-holders of the Fate franchise. Although the pandemic momentarily put the brakes on our plans, it also gave us the opportunity to carefully consider our approach. Ultimately, we chose to honor Fate’s 20th anniversary with a remaster, bringing the cherished series back into the spotlight.
The gaming landscape has shifted a lot since 2005, and although Fate’s gameplay still feels timeless, the goal was to modernize its reach. Until now, the franchise had mainly been a PC staple. Expanding to consoles and adding more language options meant opening the doors to a brand-new audience.
Reviving a beloved series is always ambitious, but altering Fate’s essence was never up for debate. Our mission with Fate: Reawakened was to enhance what fans already adored and amplify it.
A major step in ensuring we honored the series’ core was presenting an alpha demo at PAX West 2024. Many visitors to our booth had fond memories of Fate; these veterans provided invaluable feedback on what made the series tick and how any remaster should (and should not) feel. Meanwhile, witnessing newcomers navigate the demo provided insights into potential confusion points for fresh players. We returned from PAX West with a comprehensive list of improvements and eagerly integrated those into the game’s ongoing development.
To truly capture the nostalgia while innovating, we also hosted a closed beta involving some of Fate’s most ardent fans. These dedicated players, familiar with every nook and cranny of the series, offered critical feedback, guiding us in refining the game. Their insights helped ensure we remained true to the game’s spirit.
Of course, our internal team, filled with Fate enthusiasts, put their heart and soul into perfecting elements like Druantia’s dark allure. Balancing feedback with our artistic vision took multiple iterations, ultimately achieving an ambiance that resonated with the original.
Fate: Reawakened is more than a game—it’s our homage to a legacy and its devoted community. We cherished watching players continue to pour their creativity into fan art, theories, and gameplay over the years. As we embark on this new chapter, we hope you’ll heed the call to reawaken your inner hero. So, have you made up your mind? Are you ready to choose your Fate?
Mark March 12 on your calendar for the launch of Fate: Reawakened on the Xbox Series X|S, or add it to your wish list on Microsoft’s store for Xbox, reliving the magic or experiencing it anew with all the excitement that once drew players into its world.
