Discussing obstacles in a Fallout remaster: "What extent are modifications going into the original Fallout game? Is this about enhancing user experience or are we essentially creating a new game?" (Tim Cain)
In the realm of video game remasters, the original Fallout has been frequently lauded as a prime candidate for such a revival. However, according to its lead developer, Tim Cain, the process of executing a remaster for the classic role-playing game is far from straightforward.
In a recent video, Cain outlined the myriad obstacles that a Fallout remaster would encounter in the event that it were greenlit. Central to these challenges is the issue of legal approval, as the Fallout property now belongs to Bethesda, and any potential remaster would need their blessing. Additionally, the game's original music would presumably need to be relicensed, given the copyright issues that would arise.
From a technical standpoint, the game's aged audio and video libraries, as well as its use of the old Watcom compiler, present formidable hurdles. Furthermore, as Cain pointed out, remastering the game would necessitate a subjective approach, as some bugs contribute to the game's overall charm and "jank," and determining which issues to address and which to preserve can be tricky.
Other potential roadblocks include navigating subjective decisions around gameplay elements such as difficulty levels and the interface, ensuring that any modernization efforts remain in line with the game's original spirit.
While Cain has expressed no interest in tackling the legal complexities of a Fallout remaster, he did indicate that he would welcome the opportunity to address some of the technical aspects of the project. In closing, Cain encouraged those tasked with creating a potential remaster to approach the project with a sense of enjoyment and embrace the inevitable discussions and debates that are bound to arise.
Despite the manpower and resources required for a faithful Fallout remaster, it's worth noting that Bethesda is reportedly planning to release Fallout 3 Remastered in the near future. While that may not capture the original Fallout experience in its entirety, it certainly offers a glimpse into a modernized version of the beloved franchise.
Source: Andy Chalk, PC Gamer
- The legal complications of a Fallout remaster are significant, as Bethesda, the current owners of the Fallout property, would need to grant approval for any potential remaster.
- Remastering the game would require relicensing of the original music due to copyright issues, and decisions about gameplay elements such as difficulty levels and interface would also need to be navigated.
- In approaching a potential Fallout remaster, it's important to embrace the challenges and enjoy the creative process, understanding that some bugs and "jank" may contribute to the game's overall charm and character.
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