It seems nearly impossible for one of the best fantasy RPGs to return with the remaster every fan is waiting for, and its legendary creator has finally explained why. Tim Cain has clarified the current status of the rights to Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura and who owns them.

Although Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura doesn’t enjoy the same universal acclaim as classics like Baldur’s Gate or Fallout, it’s still a cult favorite among classic RPG enthusiasts. Its unique blend of fantasy and steampunk, deep gameplay, and distinctive world have earned it a devoted following, and many would love to see it revived on modern platforms. However, one of its original creators has just poured cold water on hopes for a possible remaster.

Why Tim Cain Says a Remaster Is Nearly Impossible

Tim Cain, legendary developer and Troika Games co-founder, recently explained why bringing back Arcanum with a remaster would be extremely difficult. Although he and his former partners Leonard Boyarsky and Jason Anderson own the original source code, the brand rights are held by Sierra, the original publisher, which is now part of Activision Blizzard and therefore Microsoft. This tangled web of intellectual property means any attempt at revival would face major legal obstacles.

Cain states that simply having access to the source code isn’t enough: legal ownership of the brand prevents any release without the explicit permission of the rights holder. Even though he maintains a good professional relationship with Microsoft, he can’t distribute or use the code for a new version without a formal agreement with all parties. “If someone wanted to use the code, they’d have to talk to me, Leonard, and Jason so all three of us were on board,” Cain says.

How Could an Arcanum Remaster Happen?

Despite this bleak outlook, Cain has shared how he would approach an Arcanum remaster. First, he’d start by fixing the original’s many bugs and rebalancing the gameplay. He also believes the user interface would need a complete overhaul, the combat system should be modernized, and the visual variety of environments should be increased.

For now, though, Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura seems destined to remain a niche classic. The combination of legal hurdles and technical challenges means its return is unlikely, at least in the short term. For the nostalgic, all that remains is to revisit the original or dream that one day, the stars align and this cult RPG receives the revival it deserves.

Source: 3djuegos