How Fate: Reawakened Takes the Series to New Heights

Come May, we’ll be celebrating two decades since the Fate franchise burst onto the scene. Back in 2005, gamers picked up their digital swords to battle their way through the Dungeon Gate’s formidable foes. This series wasn’t just about slaying monsters; it was a milestone that influenced many childhoods, sparked the imaginations of budding game developers, and carved its own niche in the action RPG world. Interestingly, the creative minds behind Fate brought us Torchlight down the line, another fan-favorite in the dungeon crawler genre.

Given its significance, it seems only right that the Fate series’ 20th birthday is celebrated with something just as legendary—a remastered version that captures all the magic that fans have adored since the beginning.

Rolling out on March 12 for the Xbox Series X|S, “Fate: Reawakened” is the ultimate edition of this cherished dungeon crawler. It bundles together all four of the original Fate games, delivering them in one exhilarating package.

Now, let’s take a stroll down memory lane to when Fate first made its mark. In its early days, this game became a beacon in the action RPG landscape. Amidst a sea of dark and gothic RPG choices, Fate stood out by adopting a more vibrant and family-friendly art style.

There was a period when Fate came pre-installed on certain Windows PCs, which made it easily accessible and helped it gain a massive following. Gamers quickly fell in love with the endless dungeon quests and the charming pet companions who could join their adventures.

As the years went by, Fate’s following continued to grow. Even without a new release since 2011, its community thrived on platforms like Discord, YouTube, and other social media. The dedication and passion these fans have shown highlight the lasting impact Fate has had. So, when the chance to reignite this beloved franchise arose, I was thrilled by the possibilities.

The idea to revisit Fate took root around 2019 when gamigo purchased WildTangent, the original publisher. The COVID pandemic threw a bit of a wrench in the works, slowing down plans to revitalize the series. Eventually, the decision was made to honor Fate’s 20th anniversary with a remaster—a move that seemed like the perfect way to revisit the nostalgia.

Since its conception in 2005, the gaming space has drastically changed. While Fate’s gameplay has aged well, we knew expanding it to modern systems was crucial. Historically, the franchise was a PC exclusive, but bringing it to consoles with expanded language support opens the door to a fresh audience.

Tackling such a treasured series is no small feat, but changing the essence that made Fate special was never the goal. Instead, with “Fate: Reawakened,” the objective was to enhance what players already loved about it.

A noteworthy part of the development was showcasing an alpha demo at PAX West in 2024. As new faces and longtime fans alike navigated our booth, their feedback became invaluable. The veteran players, familiar with Fate’s charm and gameplay, provided insights into what they desired in a remastered version, as well as what they didn’t.

Seeing newcomers interact with the game offered fresh perspectives. Their experiences highlighted areas that might be confusing or misleading. The event was an eye-opener, a treasure trove of insights, and it significantly influenced further development.

But PAX was just one piece of the puzzle. We needed to win over the hardcore fans if the remaster was to succeed. Thus, we conducted a closed beta with an elite group of devoted players from the Fate community. Their intricate knowledge of the game’s ins and outs provided the critical feedback necessary for fine-tuning.

This undertaking was not without its internal champions. Our team poured their heart into the project. Adjusting the atmospheric feel of the Druantia area, for example, was a delicate process of trial and error to maintain its iconic ambiance.

“Fate: Reawakened” is more than just a remake—it’s a tribute to the series and its loyal fanbase. We’ve marveled at the creativity and persistence with which our community has kept the spirit of Fate alive. As we embark on this new chapter of the franchise, we invite you to rekindle your heroic instincts. Are you prepared to embrace your Fate?

Mark your calendars for March 12 when “Fate: Reawakened” launches on Xbox Series X|S, and don’t forget to add it to your wishlist in the Microsoft Store.