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Tag: official

  • From Fan Project to Official Remaster: OpenLara Creator Leads Tomb Raider Remaster Development

    From Fan Project to Official Remaster: OpenLara Creator Leads Tomb Raider Remaster Development

    For fans of the iconic Tomb Raider series, the recent release of the Tomb Raider Remastered Trilogy was a cause for celebration. But what many might not know is the story behind the development, which features a unique twist: the project was led by XProger, the creator of OpenLara, an unofficial open-source engine for classic Tomb Raider games.

    OpenLara: A Labor of Love:

    XProger, whose real name is Timur Gagiev, spent years reverse-engineering and rebuilding the original Tomb Raider engine through OpenLara. His dedication not only allowed players to experience the early adventures on modern systems but also showcased his deep understanding of the game’s core mechanics and functionalities.

    From Open-Source to Official Remake:

    It seems XProger’s passion and expertise caught the attention of Aspyr Media, the developer behind the remaster. Recognizing his unique perspective and contributions, they entrusted him with leading the development of the official Tomb Raider Remastered Trilogy. This marked a remarkable opportunity for a fan project to enter the realm of officially sanctioned remakes.

    A Remaster with Heart:

    XProger, in an emotional post, acknowledged the contributions of the OpenLara community and expressed his gratitude for being given the chance to officially remaster the games he loved. This personal connection shines through in the final product, with the remasters offering improvements while staying true to the spirit of the originals.

    Beyond Nostalgia:

    The Tomb Raider Remastered Trilogy’s success highlights the potential of fan projects and their creators. It demonstrates how passion, dedication, and technical expertise can translate into commercially viable products. For aspiring developers and game enthusiasts, this story serves as a beacon of inspiration, showing that the line between unofficial projects and official endeavors can sometimes blur, leading to incredible opportunities.

    Join the Discussion:

    • What are your thoughts on XProger’s involvement in the Tomb Raider Remastered Trilogy?
    • Do you think more fan projects deserve recognition and potential official involvement?
    • What impact do you think this story has on the future of game development and the relationship between fans and developers?
  • Predictably, Nintendo takes down unofficial Zelda: Link’s Awakening PC port from the internet

    Predictably, Nintendo takes down unofficial Zelda: Link’s Awakening PC port from the internet

    The individual behind an unofficial PC port of the Game Boy Color classic Link’s Awakening, which gained widespread attention on social media, has taken it down from itch.io following a takedown notice from Nintendo.

    The creator, ‘linksawakeningdxhd,’ had uploaded a PC port of 1998’s Link’s Awakening DX, featuring HD visuals, 120fps scrolling, and widescreen support. However, the game’s files were suspended after Nintendo issued a copyright claim.

    The takedown notice, published on itch.io, is reproduced below:

    To Whom It May Concern:


    I am an authorized representative of Nintendo of America Inc., owner of the following copyrighted material:


    PA0002212311 (The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening) and PA0000772666 (Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Game Boy version).


    It has come to our attention that the following game, https://linksawakeningdxhd.itch.io/links-awakening-dx-hd, offered on Itch.io infringes and makes unauthorized use of Nintendo’s copyrights in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening video game.


    For additional information, visit Nintendo’s website at the following URLs:
    https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/game-boy-nintendo-switch-online-switc…
    https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-s…


    Please act expeditiously to remove the download and information page for the infringing game.


    I have a good faith belief that the material is not authorized by the intellectual property owner, its agent, or the law. The information provided in the notice is accurate, and I swear under penalty of perjury that I am authorized to make the complaint on behalf of the intellectual property owner.


    Sincerely,
    Nintendo Legal
    Nintendo of America Inc.
    4600 150th Avenue NE
    Redmond, WA 98052
    425-882-2040
    [email protected]


    The port garnered attention for allowing players to zoom out for a complete view of Koholint Island, with all NPCs and enemies remaining active.

    Unsurprisingly, Nintendo has taken action in this case, as the company is known for swiftly addressing fan projects, a trend observed over the years.

    Nintendo had officially released its own remake of Link’s Awakening for the Switch in 2019.