Overview of Recent Developments
- The remaster of The Sinking City has received a rating in Taiwan specifically for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
- No official announcements have been made regarding the remaster, but sources indicate it is indeed in the works.
- Leaked information suggests that the remastered version will utilize Unreal Engine 5, indicating potential visual upgrades.
Recently, the atmospheric detective game The Sinking City, originally released in 2019, has garnered attention with its rating in Taiwan. Upon its launch, the game received a mix of feedback; while it successfully conveyed a haunting Lovecraftian ambiance, players found its combat mechanics reminiscent of third-person Resident Evil too lacking. The game remained relatively unnoticed until the announcement of its sequel nearly a year ago during an Xbox Partner Preview event.
Following the original release, a series of legal conflicts arose between developer Frogwares and publisher Nacon (formerly known as Bigben Interactive) over ownership and distribution rights. This ongoing dispute spanned 2020 and 2021, resulting in the temporary removal of The Sinking City from digital platforms such as Steam and the Epic Games Store. Ultimately, Frogwares regained full control over the game’s distribution early last year, allowing them to highlight the impending sequel shortly after.
Remaster Rating in Taiwan
"The Sinking City Remastered" by @Frogwares was just rated in Taiwan. A bit confused about this one since The Sinking City already has native PS5 and Xbox Series versions.pic.twitter.com/VSOESsAvLQ — Gematsu (@gematsu) February 14, 2025
The timeline for a potential remaster appears to fit the current market expectations, especially as it has been six years since the original game. Nonetheless, The Sinking City already benefits from enhancements for current-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, introduced in 2021, leaving some gamers questioning the necessity of a remastered edition. However, transitioning to Unreal Engine 5 could be an effective strategy by Frogwares to revitalize interest in the franchise ahead of the anticipated sequel, set for release in 2025. A full remaster might capture public interest more successfully than merely reiterating previous enhancements, especially considering the first game’s lukewarm reception at launch.
If the remaster indeed becomes a reality, it is likely to be launched in anticipation of the sequel’s release. However, 2025 already promises to be filled with major game releases, potentially creating a challenging environment for The Sinking City 2 to find its audience. Insights may be revealed during events such as the Summer Game Fest in June. In the meantime, interested fans should follow Frogwares’ social media channels diligently for any forthcoming announcements regarding both the remaster and the sequel.
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