This May marks a significant milestone for the Fate franchise as it celebrates two decades since its inception. Since 2005, gamers have embraced the heroic role, taking on formidable foes and battling through the daunting challenges of Dungeon Gate. This iconic game series has not only shaped the gaming experiences of many growing up but has also inspired aspiring developers, leaving an indelible mark on the action RPG genre. Interestingly, Fate’s creators later brought us the critically acclaimed Torchlight, another beloved title in the dungeon crawler category.
With such a substantial legacy, it’s only right that the 20-year anniversary of Fate is commemorated in a way befitting its influence—a captivating remaster that holds true to the elements that fans initially fell in love with.
Launching on March 12 for Xbox Series X|S, Fate: Reawakened offers the ultimate package for fans, bundling all four games from the esteemed series into one exhilarating collection.
### The Rise of Fate
Fate originally broke onto the scene as a beacon of innovation in the action RPG realm. In a market crowded with somber, dark RPGs, Fate’s bright and colorful art style was a breath of fresh air, drawing in younger players and families alike.
At one point, Fate came pre-installed on some Windows computers, making it incredibly accessible and propelling its popularity over the years. Players were captivated by the game’s endless challenges and the adorable pet companions that joined them on their adventures.
As the franchise evolved, so did its community. Even after the release of the last game in 2011, dedicated fans and modders kept the spirits of Fate alive on platforms like Discord, YouTube, and other social networks. This enduring enthusiasm showcases the profound impact Fate has had, and when the opportunity arose to revisit the franchise, excitement was in the air.
### An Idea is Sparked
The doors to revisiting Fate opened around 2019, when gamigo acquired WildTangent, the series’ original publisher. While the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 delayed discussions on revisiting the series, we were determined to approach this with care. Eventually, we decided that a remaster for the 20th anniversary would be a fantastic way to reintroduce the nostalgic series to the forefront.
Since 2005, a lot has changed, and although Fate’s gameplay has aged well, we deemed it essential to update it for the modern platforms where players converge today. Until now, the franchise was exclusive to PC, but with Fate: Reawakened, we’re bringing it to consoles and adding multiple languages, capturing a new audience we’ve yet to explore.
### A Delicate Undertaking
Revamping a cherished series is no small feat, but the mission with Fate: Reawakened was never to change its core essence but rather to enhance what already made it remarkable.
We took a significant step by presenting an alpha demo at PAX West 2024. The audience there was a blend of fresh players and long-time fans who cherished Fate in its heyday. Collecting insights from both groups was invaluable. Veteran players knew exactly how it should feel, while newcomers provided fresh perspectives, helping us pinpoint potential areas of confusion.
After PAX West, we engaged hardcore fans in a closed beta. Their profound knowledge of the series was instrumental in refining the remaster. This passionate feedback was critical in ensuring we stayed true to the spirit of Fate.
Internally, our team put immense care into the remaster. For instance, perfecting the dim, atmospheric lighting of Druantia required several iterations to capture its original depth and character.
### Reawakening Your Inner Hero
Fate: Reawakened isn’t just a relaunch of the series; it’s a tribute to its vibrant community. We’ve cherished the creative ways players have shown their love over the years, and we’re excited about this next chapter for the Fate franchise. Ready to embrace your heroic journey once more?
Fate: Reawakened is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S on Wednesday, March 12. You can add it to your wishlist now on the Microsoft Store for Xbox.
#### FATE: Reawakened Overview
Developed by gamigo US Inc., Fate: Reawakened breathes new life into the beloved series. Players will revisit familiar locales and dive into dungeons, experiencing the charm of the original game with modern enhancements.
Beyond the improved visuals, all four Fate games are re-bundled—FATE, FATE: Undiscovered Realms, FATE: The Traitor Soul, and FATE: The Cursed King. Each game continues offering randomized dungeon layouts, intense real-time combat, and opportunities to develop unique character skills. Whether fishing for rare items or choosing from three resurrection paths, players have the freedom to shape their destiny.
