Collaboration of Nightdive and id Software yields promising results in the gaming realm - As I immerse myself in Heretic and Hexen remasters, I eagerly anticipate potential remasters from Activision and Bethesda as well
Headline: Nightdive Studios and Xbox/Bethesda Team Up to Revitalize Classic Titles with the Release of Heretic + Hexen Remaster
In a surprise announcement at QuakeCon 2025, Nightdive Studios unveiled their major upcoming remaster project: the definitive re-release of Heretic + Hexen, two iconic Xbox 360-era titles from Raven Software. This enhanced re-release is now available across multiple platforms, including Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC (with Xbox Play Anywhere and Game Pass), PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and GOG.
The collaboration between Nightdive Studios and Xbox/Bethesda marks a significant step in the revitalization of classic 1990s games, as Microsoft owns both Bethesda and Raven Software. Known for their expertise in remastering retro games with modern enhancements while respecting the original gameplay, Nightdive Studios has delivered an updated version of Heretic + Hexen that boasts enhanced graphics, performance options, a mod menu, extra content, and a faithful preservation of the original unedited experience.
As for other Xbox 360-era titles, Nightdive Studios has not announced any additional remaster projects in collaboration with Xbox or other developers, specifically focused on that era beyond Heretic + Hexen. However, the potential for future collaborations remains, with games like Raven Software's 2009 Wolfenstein title being a possibility.
The success of the Heretic + Hexen remaster is a testament to the ongoing partnership between Nightdive Studios, Bethesda Softworks, and id Software, which has resulted in annual remasters of classic games, including DOOM 64, Quake, Quake 2, DOOM + DOOM 2, and now Heretic + Hexen.
With the rights to a handful of games no longer divided following Microsoft's acquisitions of Activision and ZeniMax, there is an opportunity for Nightdive Studios to delve into other Activision and Bethesda titles. MachineGames, the studio responsible for the more recent Wolfenstein games, seems to be focused on Indiana Jones, potentially leaving room for Nightdive Studios to work on other titles from these publishers.
Id Software's DOOM 3 could also benefit from a revisit, with some gamers preferring the original's dark lighting and flashlight use. The underrated Singularity, another Raven Software game, has never been ported to modern hardware, offering another potential project for Nightdive Studios.
The Heretic + Hexen remaster supports 120 FPS on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and is available for purchase at $14.99 on GOG.COM INT. It is also accessible through Xbox Game Pass. With its broad platform support, the remastered Heretic + Hexen is poised to reach a new generation of gamers while appealing to those who fondly remember the original titles.
