Tag Archives: game remakes

Grammy Win Highlights the Legacy of Wizardry and Its Impact on RPGs

Video game music composer Winifred Phillips has won the Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media for her work on the 2024 remake of Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord. Originally released in 1981Wizardry is often credited with laying the foundation for Final FantasyDragon Quest, and countless other RPGs.

The 2024 Remaster of Wizardary, Credit: Steam

Phillips, known for her contributions to God of War (2005) and LittleBigPlanet 2, composed an entirely new score for this remake, as the original game lacked a dedicated soundtrack. Her work triumphed over notable nominees, including Bear McCreary (God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla)John Paesano (Marvel’s Spider-Man 2)Wilbert Roget II (Star Wars Outlaws), and Pinar Toprak (Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora).

In her acceptance speech, Phillips thanked Digital Eclipse, the studio behind the remake, and emphasised the unique experience of composing for interactive media—where the music adapts dynamically to the player’s actions.

The 1981 Original

This Grammy win not only celebrates Phillips’ achievements but also highlights Wizardry’s lasting influence on the RPG genre, cementing its place in gaming history over four decades after its debut.

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The Thing: Remastered Becomes Nightdive Studios’ Fastest-Selling Title

Nightdive Studios’ recent release, The Thing: Remastered, has quickly become the developer’s fastest-selling game to date. According to Atari’s 2024 end-of-year business report, the remastered title was “well-received by critics and players alike,” achieving unprecedented launch sales across all digital PC and console platforms. The remake has reasonable reviews, getting a mixed score of 69 on Metacritic.

Originally launched in 2002, The Thing served as a direct sequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 film, offering a third-person survival horror experience that resonated with players. The game sold over a million units during its initial run, cementing its place as a standout horror title of its era. 

The remastered version, released on December 5, 2024, brings the classic back with enhanced graphics and updated gameplay mechanics, aiming to captivate both returning fans and newcomers. While specific sales figures for the remaster haven’t been disclosed, its rapid success suggests a strong market appetite for revitalised classic horror games.

This achievement not only highlights the enduring appeal of The Thing but also underscores Nightdive Studios’ expertise in delivering quality remasters that honor the original while appealing to modern gamers.

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