Coming up in May, we’ll celebrate the 20th anniversary of the illustrious Fate franchise. Since its debut in 2005, gamers have donned their hero gear and taken on countless foes at the infamous Dungeon Gate. Over the past two decades, this beloved series of dungeon crawlers has not only shaped the childhoods of many but has also inspired budding game developers and left a lasting imprint on the action RPG landscape. Interestingly, the masterminds behind Fate later crafted another hit in the same genre—Torchlight.
Given its significant impact, it seemed only right that Fate’s 20-year milestone be commemorated with something as remarkable as the series itself. Enter a thrilling remaster that genuinely captures the essence of what fans fell in love with in the first place.
Mark your calendars for March 12, when Fate: Reawakened launches for Xbox Series X|S. This is the ultimate version of the critically acclaimed dungeon crawler, bundling all four existing Fate games in one thrilling package.
### The Rise of Fate
Back when it first hit the scene, Fate was a breath of fresh air for the action RPG genre. While other games leaned heavily into darker themes, Fate went for a brighter, more vibrant art style, making it a hit with younger players and families alike.
There was even a time when Fate came preloaded on some Windows PCs, which made it extremely accessible, helping boost its popularity. Players were captivated by the endless challenges found in the dungeon depths and the charming pets that could join them on their journeys.
As Fate gained momentum, so did its fanbase. Despite being out of the new game releases since 2011, its community has remained active in places like Discord, YouTube, and other social platforms. Such dedication speaks volumes about the impact Fate had, so when a chance arose to take on a new project within the franchise, we jumped at it with excitement.
### An Idea is Sparked
The idea to revisit and revamp Fate began around 2019 when Gamigo acquired WildTangent, the original publisher of the Fate series. The pandemic in 2020 momentarily paused our plans, but we knew we wanted to approach revisiting the series thoughtfully. We ultimately decided that commemorating Fate’s 20th Anniversary with a remaster was the perfect way to reintroduce this nostalgic franchise to the world.
Though much has shifted since 2005, Fate’s engaging gameplay remains timeless. We set out to expand its reach by bringing it up to speed with today’s gaming platforms. Before Reawakened, the series was PC-exclusive, but broadening it to consoles and adding multi-language support has opened up the franchise to a new world of gamers.
### A Delicate Undertaking
Taking on a beloved series is no small feat, but changing the core of what made Fate special was not an option. With Fate: Reawakened, our aim was to enhance what already made the franchise so beloved.
A significant step in this journey was presenting an alpha demo at PAX West 2024. Among the crowd were many new to Fate as well as longtime fans who had grown up with it. Feedback from both groups was invaluable. Veterans of the game provided insights into what felt true to the original and what didn’t. Meanwhile, new players offered fresh perspectives by highlighting areas that were potentially puzzling or unclear.
While PAX West offered a varied audience, pleasing the hardcore fans was crucial. We conducted a closed beta with some of Fate’s most passionate community members. These players knew the game inside and out, and their detailed feedback was vital in making last-minute tweaks and further polishing our work. The open conversations during the beta were incredibly important in ensuring we were honoring the essence of the series.
That’s not to say we didn’t put our hearts into it as a team! Our internal crew worked tirelessly, especially on areas like the darkly atmospheric zone of Druantia. Adjustments to the lighting initially stripped it of its unique character, but through rounds of feedback, we managed to capture the area’s original spirit.
### Reawakening Your Inner Hero
Fate: Reawakened is a love letter not only to the series but to its community. Watching fans express their dedication and creativity after all these years has been truly heartwarming. As we stride into a new era for the Fate franchise, we invite you to reignite your inner hero. Ready to choose your Fate?
Don’t miss the launch of Fate: Reawakened on Xbox Series X|S on Wednesday, March 12. Add it to your wish list now on the Microsoft Store for Xbox and prepare for a journey like no other!
