As May rolls around, we find ourselves commemorating two decades since the beginning of the Fate franchise. Kicking off in 2005, this iconic series has allowed players to don the heroic persona and conquer the daunting creatures lurking beyond the Dungeon Gate. Over the years, Fate has become a classic in the dungeon crawler genre, leaving a lasting legacy that not only defined childhoods but also lit a spark for future game developers. The creative team behind Fate even went on to craft Torchlight, another beloved title in the genre.
Recognizing its profound influence, it’s only fitting that the 20th anniversary of Fate is celebrated with something truly worthy—a remaster that captures the essence of what players cherished about the original.
Fate: Reawakened, set to release on March 12 for Xbox Series X|S, promises to be the ultimate edition, bundling all four Fate games into one action-packed experience.
The Rise of Fate
When Fate first hit the shelves, it stood out as a beacon of new possibilities in the action RPG landscape. Contrary to the dark and gritty options prevalent at the time, Fate embraced a cheerful and vivid art style that endeared it to young players and families alike.
There was a time when Fate was even pre-installed on some Windows computers, which made it incredibly accessible and catalyzed its rise in popularity. Players were drawn to its endless dungeon challenges and the charming pet companions available to aid them in their adventures.
As the franchise expanded, so did its community. Despite the absence of a new entry since 2011, vibrant hubs like Discord, YouTube, and various social media platforms thrived with devoted Fate enthusiasts and modders, highlighting the franchise’s enduring appeal. So when the chance arose to venture into a new project, we were thrilled to revive the beloved series.
Sparking an Idea
The journey to revisit Fate began in 2019 when Gamigo acquired WildTangent, the original owner of the series. Although the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020 delayed plans to revitalize the series, we remained committed to thoughtfully reviving the franchise. Ultimately, we decided that a remaster in honor of Fate‘s 20th anniversary was the perfect way to bring it back into the spotlight.
A lot has changed since 2005, and while Fate‘s gameplay still holds up, we saw the need to modernize it for the platforms that today’s gamers are drawn to. Until now, Fate has been primarily on PC, but with Fate: Reawakened, we’re stepping onto console platforms and providing additional language support to reach a broader audience.
A Delicate Undertaking
Revamping a beloved series is no small feat, and changing Fate‘s fundamental charm was never part of the plan. Our goal was to enhance what fans adored about the franchise and make it even more spectacular with Fate: Reawakened.
To ensure we stayed true to the series’ roots, we presented an alpha demo at PAX West 2024. While many visitors to our booth were experiencing Fate for the first time, others were nostalgic fans revisiting a childhood favorite. Feedback from these audiences was invaluable; veteran players pointed out essential elements a remaster must retain, while new players’ experiences highlighted potential areas of confusion.
Receiving feedback from PAX West was enlightening, but ultimately, we knew that pleasing hardcore fans was crucial for this remaster’s success. To achieve this, we conducted a closed beta with active community members, whose deep insights helped us make necessary adjustments and ensure the series stayed faithful to its essence.
Awakening Heroic Spirits
Fate: Reawakened is more than a game; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the fans who’ve kept the spirit of the series alive. We’ve watched players celebrate and share their passion over the years, and now we’re thrilled to usher in a new era for the Fate franchise. As we invite players old and new to embark on this journey, we ask—are you prepared to determine your Fate?
Mark your calendars for the launch of Fate: Reawakened on Xbox Series X|S on March 12, and don’t forget to add it to your wishlist on the Microsoft Store.
