Lara Croft returns, and the question on everyone's mind is: Are Tomb Raider remasters worth it? The short answer is yes, but let’s dive into the trends and insights that reveal why and what other publishers can learn from this nostalgic revival.
Tomorrow will mark the release of Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered, from Aspyr, undoubtedly discussions about the value of remastered games and remakes has resurfaced. Let’s dive into the trends and insights that add context to these discussions and reveal what publishers and developers can learn from this nostalgic revival.
Positive Reception: Remastered collections have generally been well-received in the last five years. Our data shows average reviews scores above 70 with titles such as Resident Evil 4 Remake and Silent Hill 2 Remake scoring over 90 and 85 respectively, to be crowned the highest rated recent remakes. Not to mention over 160,000 videos were posted collectively between Twitch and Youtube discussing these remakes. This suggests a strong appetite for nostalgic gaming experiences.
Community Engagement: The involvement of community developers in the remastering process has been positively noted. This approach could be a valuable strategy for other publishers to consider.
Balancing Act: Our the analysis of our data on reviews suggests that while updated graphics are appreciated, preserving the original gameplay feel is crucial. Publishers must carefully balance modernisation with nostalgia.
Cross-Generation Appeal: The remasters have attracted both long-time fans and new players, indicating potential for expanding the audience of classic franchises.
Feature Importance: Photo modes and additional content have been particularly well-received, highlighting the value of extra features in remasters.
These insights demonstrate the potential of remasters and remakes when executed thoughtfully. Publishers can leverage such data to inform their strategies for reviving classic titles and engaging both new and existing audiences.
Modern media is rich with data, but few companies have the tools or time to analyse it effectively. At Fancensus, we simplify analytics and turn data into actionable insights that can help your next release stand out in a competitive market. Reach out to us to learn how we can support your next launch.
