In an exciting development for fans of classic adventure games, there's a glimmer of hope for the remastering of the beloved Discworld series. Originating from the whimsical and satirical universe crafted by the late Sir Terry Pratchett, the Discworld point-and-click games have left an indelible mark on gamers from the 90s. According to Gregg Barnett, the original designer behind these titles, there's a possibility we might see these games on modern platforms, though navigating the path to remastering presents its own set of challenges.
The Legacy of Discworld Games
The journey began in 1995 with the release of "Discworld," a game that introduced players to the humorous, yet perilous world of Ankh-Morpork through the eyes of Rincewind, the hapless wizard. Praised for its sharp wit, engaging puzzles, and memorable voice acting by Eric Idle as Rincewind, the game was a hit in Europe and the UK. Its sequel, "Discworld II: Missing, Presumed...!?" followed in 1996, continuing the adventures with even more humor and intricate puzzles. The series concluded with "Discworld Noir" in 1999, shifting genres slightly to a detective narrative but maintaining the core Discworld charm.
The Challenge of Remastering
Gregg Barnett, in interviews with various gaming outlets, has hinted at the complexities involved in bringing these games back. The primary hurdle is intellectual property rights. After the closure of Perfect Entertainment, the original developer, the rights to the games became somewhat murky. However, Barnett revealed a surprising twist: "Whenever something closes in the UK, intellectual property rights revert 50% to the original creator and 50% to the crown." This means that while Barnett holds half the rights, King Charles, as part of the British Crown, holds the other half. This division of ownership adds an unusual layer of complexity to any remastering efforts.
Current State of Affairs
Despite these obstacles, Barnett has expressed optimism about the project. Discussions regarding remasters or even new games in the Discworld universe have reportedly taken place. However, Rhianna Pratchett, daughter of Terry Pratchett and co-director of Narrativia Limited, which manages the Discworld IP, has clarified that they only control the rights to the characters, not the games themselves. This revelation underscores the convoluted nature of the rights situation but doesn't completely shut down the possibility of a remaster.
Fan Expectations and Community Reaction
The news has stirred excitement among the Discworld gaming community. Fans have long desired to see these games available on modern hardware, free from the need for emulators like ScummVM. The potential for remasters or re-releases has sparked conversations on social media platforms and forums, with many expressing a willingness to support such a project financially, ensuring that the humor and adventure of Discworld can be enjoyed by new generations.
Looking Forward
While no concrete plans have been announced, the dialogue around Discworld remasters is more active than it has been in years. The involvement of both Gregg Barnett and hints from Rhianna Pratchett suggest that there might be a concerted effort to untangle the IP rights and bring these games back to life. Whether this leads to remasters of the classics or perhaps even new adventures in the Discworld setting remains to be seen.
Conclusion
The prospect of revisiting Ankh-Morpork through modern gaming technology is tantalizing for fans of Terry Pratchett's universe. While the journey toward remastering or re-releasing the Discworld games is fraught with legal intricacies, the interest from key figures involved offers hope. As we watch this space, the gaming community can only hope that the unique blend of humor, fantasy, and adventure from the Discworld books will once again grace our screens, this time with the polish and accessibility of contemporary gaming standards.
For those eager to follow this story, keeping an eye on updates from Gregg Barnett and the Pratchett estate will be crucial. The path to reliving these adventures might be complicated, but the potential rewards for fans and newcomers alike are undoubtedly worth the effort.
