EA is working on a remaster of the classic space sim Wing Commander 3 after discovering original FMV tapes, adding to the revival of Chris Roberts' franchises.
The return of Wing Commander 3 is the standout event in this week’s PC gaming world. EA has announced plans to remaster the classic 1994 space simulation game. This follows the discovery of the game’s original full-motion video (FMV) tapes by EA producer Jim Vessella. The announcement comes hot on the heels of a trailer for “Squadron 42,” a single-player spinoff from “Star Citizen,” spotlighting that Chris Roberts’ franchises are experiencing a moment of renewed attention. The project, revealed during the Portland Retro Gaming Expo, signifies a growing trend of revitalizing popular ’90s and early 2000s games with modern technology and better production quality, appealing to nostalgic gamers while reaching new audiences.
Meanwhile, hardware concerns continue to plague the PC gaming realm, as Rock Paper Shotgun reports that RAM shortages may persist until at least 2028. Micron, one of the key players in memory production, indicated that the crisis is far from over, worsened by allegations of price-fixing involving Samsung and SK Hynix. This shortage poses ongoing challenges for gamers looking to upgrade or build new rigs, underscoring the need for budget-conscious choices or perhaps waiting until the market stabilizes.
On the MMORPG front, NC’s Aion 2 is making headlines with its recent crackdown on botting and gold farming, banning nearly 5,000 accounts involved in activities that disrupt the in-game economy. As reported by PCGamesN, this move is a key step in maintaining a fair multiplayer environment within this rapidly-growing game that has already climbed Steam’s popularity rankings.
Turning to indie development news, there’s a growing buzz around “Heathen,” a dungeon crawler where creative combat features prominently. PC Gamer highlights its unique mechanic of using defeated enemies’ body parts as weapons, blending playful mechanics with a first-person perspective reminiscent of “Diablo.” This could capture the interest of players seeking fresh gameplay experiences.
In other RPG news, Bethesda has issued a cease and desist to the creators of “Fallout: New York,” an AI-generated game featuring odd character designs, as reported by Rock Paper Shotgun. This instance illustrates ongoing tensions between fan creations using AI and the rights of original developers, a legal and ethical frontier in gaming.
Overall, this week in PC gaming is marked by both challenges in hardware supply and significant moves in game development, from high-profile remasters to indie innovations, amid ongoing legal battles over intellectual property.
