How Fate: Reawakened Takes the Series to New Heights

As we approach May, it’s incredible to think that the Fate franchise is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Since its debut in 2005, players have been donning the hero’s cape, battling through the myriad monsters guarding the Dungeon Gate. Over the years, this beloved dungeon crawler has captured the hearts of many, inspiring a generation of game developers and leaving an indelible mark on the action RPG landscape. Interestingly, the team behind Fate eventually went on to develop Torchlight, another successful foray into dungeon crawling.

Considering its profound influence, it seems only right to commemorate Fate’s 20 years with something truly special—an electrifying remaster that embraces the core elements which made players fall in love with it in the first place.

Launching on March 12 for the Xbox Series X|S, Fate: Reawakened is the ultimate edition of the acclaimed dungeon crawler, offering all four Fate games together in one thrilling package.

When Fate first appeared on the scene, it signaled a fresh take within the action RPG realm. In contrast to the dark and gritty games of its time, Fate offered a vibrant and colorful visual style. This not only appealed to a younger audience but also made the game a hit with families.

Back in the day, Fate came pre-installed on some Windows computers, which made it incredibly accessible and contributed to its burgeoning popularity. Players were captivated by the endless challenges in the dungeon’s depths and the charming pets that accompanied them on their quests.

As Fate’s popularity soared, so did its community. Even without new releases since 2011, the game’s fans remained active on platforms like Discord, YouTube, and social media. The enduring passion of this community truly speaks to Fate’s lasting impact. When the chance arose to embark on a new project within the franchise, the excitement was palpable.

The spark to revisit Fate ignited in 2019 when gamigo acquired WildTangent, the original publisher of the series. Although the COVID pandemic in 2020 momentarily paused plans, the vision remained clear: a remaster to honor Fate’s 20th anniversary would be the perfect homage to the nostalgic franchise.

Much has changed since 2005, and while Fate’s gameplay stands the test of time, we saw the need to expand its reach. Modernizing it for new platforms was essential, as the series had previously been exclusive to PC. By bringing the game to consoles and supporting more languages, we’ve opened doors to a completely new audience.

Revisiting a beloved series is no small feat, but changing Fate’s essence was never considered. With Fate: Reawakened, the mission was to enhance the original magic of the franchise.

We first took our alpha demo to PAX West 2024, providing valuable insights from a wide audience. While many visitors were new to Fate, a substantial number had grown up with it. Their feedback was invaluable, confirming what worked, what didn’t, and what they hoped from a remaster. But it was equally revealing to see new players explore Fate, helping us identify where guidance was needed.

The PAX West demo was just the beginning. We knew pleasing the hardcore fans was crucial. A closed beta with avid Fate community members was instrumental, with these seasoned players providing detailed feedback that guided crucial refinements. Their input ensured we stayed true to the series’ essence.

Our internal team, full of Fate enthusiasts, also poured their hearts into the development process. The dark realm of Druantia, for instance, posed a lighting challenge. It took several iterations to find the perfect balance that preserved the original’s mood.

Fate: Reawakened is a celebration, not just of the series itself but of its vibrant community. The passionate ways in which players have continued engaging with Fate showcases the franchise’s enduring appeal. As we usher in the next chapter of this beloved series, we’re thrilled for you to reignite that sense of heroism. The question is, are you ready to determine your Fate?

Prepare for Fate: Reawakened, arriving on Xbox Series X|S on Wednesday, March 12. You can add it to your wish list now on the Microsoft Store for Xbox.