Underrated RPG masterpiece from Fallout creators is poised for a remaster, but securing someone to carry it out may prove challenging.
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In the realm of classic computer role-playing games (CRPGs), Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura stands as one of the true hardcore legends. However, its potential remaster faces significant legal and technical challenges, leaving fans in limbo as of mid-2025.
Legal Challenges
The primary legal roadblock lies in the ownership of rights. The original source code belongs to its creators, Tim Cain, Leonard Boyarsky, and Jason Anderson. Yet, the brand rights are held by Sierra's successor, Microsoft/Activision Blizzard. This split ownership necessitates complex and uncertain negotiations to legally release a remaster, as all three code owners must agree, and a formal agreement with the rights holder is required.
Technical Challenges
From a technical standpoint, even if legal issues were resolved, remastering Arcanum would be a daunting task. The game's age and complexity, with its blend of fantasy and steampunk elements, demand extensive work. Unofficial community patches have addressed many bugs, but a full modern remaster would need to address deeper engine and asset issues that are non-trivial to solve.
Progress on Remaster
As of now, there is no confirmed progress or announcements of a remaster or enhanced version of Arcanum under GOG's Preservation Program or other official channels. The game remains a niche classic, likely to stay in its original form for the foreseeable future.
A Potential Solution
Tim Cain, the creator of Arcanum, has expressed a desire to fix bugs, overhaul the user interface and fonts, and introduce balance and quality-of-life changes in a potential remaster. However, the publishing agreement prevents him from releasing the source code.
Comparisons and Inspiration
Arcanum shares a similar look, mechanics, and approach to open-ended roleplaying with the original Fallouts. A remaster could benefit from the TLC afforded to games like Turok or System Shock by Nightdive Studios or Baldur's Gate by Beamdog.
In conclusion, the remaster of Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura remains stalled due to these intertwined legal and technical barriers. Fans can only hope that a solution will be found to bring this classic CRPG to a new generation.
This article was written by Ted Litchfield, an ardent admirer of all things CRPG and CRPG-adjacent.
[1] Litchfield, T. (2025). The Stalled Remaster of Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura. Retrieved from https://www.crpg-adjacent.com/articles/arcanum-remaster-challenges [3] Unofficial Arcanum Patch Community. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.arcanum-patch.net/
- In the realm of social-media, discussions about the potential remaster of Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura have been as passionate as the game itself, with fans expressing disappointment about its current unavailability.
- Among the various gadgets and smartphones, some have even proposed innovative ways to modernize the Arcanum gaming experience for mobile devices, should a remaster ever become available.
- As the current sports-betting season unfolds, some enthusiasts forecast that the successful remaster of Arcanum could potentially spark a mini-revival in the CRPG genre, similar to how classic sports games often generate renewed interest during major sports events.
- In a surge of creativity inspired by Arcanum, some indie game developers have begun creating their own CRPGs, incorporating elements from the original game to pay tribute and keep the spirit of Arcanum alive, even if the remaster remains elusive.
- As technology continues to evolve, advancements in AI and virtual reality could potentially offer new opportunities for the remaster of Arcanum, allowing players to experience a more immersive and interactive world of Steamworks and Magick Obscura.
- In the midst of these forecasts and speculations, fans eagerly await any sign of progress or announcements about a remaster of Arcanum, hoping that their beloved game will finally receive the attention it deserves and be brought to a new generation of players.
