Re-releases of Wing Commander, Ultima titles hit Steam and GOG
Key Points:
- EA has released lightly remastered versions of 25 classic games from the 1990s on Steam and GOG, including several Wing Commander titles and nearly the entire Ultima series, with prices under $5 each.
- Senior producer Jim Vessella led a dedicated team to restore and digitize original game assets, including high-quality full-motion video cutscenes, 60 FPS gameplay, and full controller support for many of the Wing Commander remasters.
- The restoration process involved discovering original masters in EA’s archives and collaborating with community members and original developers, such as cinematics director Steve Hilliker for Privateer 2’s remastering.
- Previous owners of these games on GOG and EA storefronts receive the remastered versions for free, highlighting EA’s commitment to game preservation despite past controversies.
- The remasters, while not flawless, demonstrate how passionate individuals within and outside of EA can contribute significantly to preserving and enhancing classic games for modern audiences.