The Futility of Remastering Modern Classics

April 16, 2025 - 18:41

Recent leaks have unveiled screenshots from an unannounced remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, stirring excitement among fans. Simultaneously, rumors suggest that Bethesda is also developing a remake of Fallout 3. This flurry of remastering activity coincides with the recent release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC, leading many to speculate about an imminent announcement for a re-re-remaster of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5 Pro.

While the gaming community eagerly anticipates these updates, there’s an ongoing debate about the value of remastering games that are not far removed from their original releases. Critics argue that this trend dilutes the essence of gaming history, as classic titles are overshadowed by endless remakes and remasters. The industry faces challenges as many older games slip into obscurity due to copyright issues and the complexities of preservation. As studios focus on reimagining past successes, the question remains: what happens to the original experiences that defined gaming for a generation?