This May marks two decades since the Fate franchise stepped into the gaming world. Beginning in 2005, players became legendary heroes tackling the endless creatures of the Dungeon Gate. Over the years, this iconic dungeon crawler series not only crafted childhood memories but also inspired budding game developers and made a significant imprint on the action RPG genre. Interestingly, the brilliant minds behind Fate later created Torchlight, another smash-hit in the dungeon crawler category.
Considering the remarkable influence Fate has had, it’s only befitting that its 20th anniversary is celebrated with something grand—an exhilarating remaster that faithfully captures the essence of why players fell in love with it in the first place.
Fate: Reawakened, launching on March 12 for Xbox Series X|S, is being hailed as the ultimate version of the award-winning dungeon crawler, offering all four existing Fate games in one thrilling, action-packed bundle.
### The Rise of Fate
When Fate first hit the scene, it was a beacon of opportunity within the action RPG genre. In a landscape dominated by grim and dark RPG choices, Fate stood out with its colorful and vibrant art style, making it more inviting to younger players and families alike.
Interestingly, there was a time when Fate came pre-installed on some Windows computers, making it remarkably accessible and boosting its popularity over the years. Players were enchanted by the endless challenges of the dungeon depths and the charming pet companions that joined them on their adventures.
As the franchise blossomed, so did its community. Even without a new installment since 2011, places like Discord, YouTube, and social media buzzed with devoted Fate enthusiasts and modders. This ongoing passion speaks volumes about the impact Fate has had, and when a chance emerged to rekindle the franchise, we jumped at it with enthusiasm.
### An Idea is Sparked
The chance to revisit Fate began around 2019 when gamigo took over WildTangent, the original creators of the Fate series. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 delayed the decision-making process about the best way to reintroduce the series. Nonetheless, it was crucial to us to handle the project with care and thoughtfulness. We ultimately concluded that commemorating Fate’s 20th Anniversary with a remaster would be an ideal way to shine a light on the franchise once again.
Since its inception in 2005, much has changed. While Fate’s gameplay still holds its ground today, expanding its reach by modernizing it for current systems was key. Previously, the series was confined to PC platforms, so bringing it to consoles with added language support means reaching an entirely new audience.
### A Delicate Undertaking
Bringing new life to a beloved series is no small feat, but altering Fate’s core appeal was never on the cards. Instead, with Fate: Reawakened, our aim was to enhance what was already extraordinary about the series.
A pivotal step in staying true to the essence of the series was showcasing an alpha demo at PAX West 2024. While many visitors to our booth were newcomers to Fate, others knew it well and had grown up playing it. Feedback from both groups was incredibly valuable. Returning fans understood what Fate should feel like and could articulate precisely what they wanted from a remaster—and just as importantly, what they didn’t want.
For new players, engaging with the demo provided insights into how someone unfamiliar with Fate might approach the game, highlighting areas where confusion might arise. At PAX West, we shared our progress enthusiastically and came away with a treasure trove of bugs, suggestions, and comments that we carefully considered as development moved forward.
While PAX West offered a diverse range of players, we knew pleasing hardcore fans was crucial for the remaster’s success. To connect with this audience, we conducted a closed beta with a select group of highly active and passionate community members. These players, who knew the game intricately, furnished us with detailed feedback, leading to further adjustments and refinements. The open conversations during the beta were paramount to ensuring we were honoring the series aptly.
Our internal team, full of Fate enthusiasts, poured their hearts into the development process. The dark and atmospheric area of Druantia was a particular focus. Initially, our lighting adjustments made it too bright, stripping away much of its original flavor. It took several feedback cycles to refine it into something that truly captured the initial vision.
### Reawakening Your Inner Hero
Fate: Reawakened is designed as a heartfelt tribute not just to the series but to its loyal community. We’ve been thrilled to witness the myriad creative ways players have showcased their devotion over the years. As we step into this new chapter of the Fate franchise, we invite you to awaken the hero within you. Are you ready to determine your Fate?
Fate: Reawakened becomes available on Xbox Series X|S on Wednesday, March 12, and you can add it to your wishlist on the Microsoft Store for Xbox.
