Game remake and game remaster, are both terms that exist in the gaming world. They both are a separate entity and should not be confused with each other. Video game studios often re-release classic titles, but not all are the same—some are remakes, while others are remasters. Understanding the difference is crucial for gamers and developers alike.
You can easily understand the concept with an example from Hollywood, or the music industry. Remakes are movies that are made with a completely new budget, production, and star cast. We have seen multiple remakes of Tarzan, Tomb Raider, and even Sherlock Holmes. These movies are made more than once with new characters, new plots, and even new settings.
Apart from these remakes, Spiderman and Hulk of Marvel Cinematic Universe are also remakes of these superhero movies from a different production house. On the other hand, remastering something means polishing an old version without tweaking it. A lot of songs from the Queens, Eagles, and Pink Floyd bands are remastered and uploaded on YouTube. Since these songs were recorded during a period when technology was not advanced, they lacked high-quality audio. With the advancements in technology, these songs are remastered and uploaded again on the internet.
Table of Contents
When you tweak the graphics, sound design, and performance of the game, but game mechanics and gameplay are the same, you get a remastered version of the game.
A game development company can enhances an older game’s visuals, audio, and performance while keeping the core gameplay intact, this is called remastering. The primary aim of doing this is to re-release the game with the intention of targeting modern gamers. The goal is to modernize the experience without altering the original mechanics or story.
When you build an old game from scratch, it is called a game remake. It is a full-scale rebuild of an older game using modern technology. Moreover, the assets inside the game are redesigned and the mechanics get a touch of creativity as well. Not just updated mechanics, you also get new story elements, which eventually bring a change in the plot as well.
Just like Hollywood remakes, where the director can create independently, the developers can exercise their creativity in game remakes. Game art designers put in a lot of effort to make the game more suitable for modern gamers. These games are aesthetically-pleasing as well as follow the latest trends in the gaming landscape. The game development services required in developing a game remake are pretty much similar to developing a new game.
| Feature | Game Remaster | Game Remake |
| Graphics | Enhanced textures & resolution | Fully rebuilt assets & visuals |
| Gameplay | Unchanged mechanics | Updated or reimagined mechanics |
| Story | Same as original | Can have changes or additions |
| Development Effort | Moderate | Extensive |
| Examples | GTA V Remastered | Resident Evil 2 Remake |
Remasters are quicker and cheaper, appealing to fans who want a polished version of a beloved classic. Remakes require more resources but can breathe new life into old franchises, making them appealing to both new and returning players.
There are further benefits to both practices. While a remake might help you to resuscitate a very old classic, it requires a lot of investments. On the contrary, remastering sounds like a sweet deal when the game already had a massive fan following, all you did was add some extra effects and the title is good to go. Remaster is just like a gift with a different packaging.
Whether a game gets a remaster or a remake depends on the developer’s vision and budget. While remasters provide nostalgia with modern polish, remakes offer fresh takes on legendary titles.
If you’re looking to develop your own remaster or remake, partnering with a Game Development Company like BR Softech that specializes in Game Development Services can help bring your vision to life.
Making a remaster will not cost you much, however, gaining rights can be troublesome and may cost you a lot of money. On the other hand, a remake requires a lot of money, but the audience likes remakes and is inquisitive about the changes in the gameplay. Hence, you can build a good revenue with any of the options you choose, be it remaster or remake.
Ans. A game remake is a complete overhaul of an existing game, rebuilt from scratch with new graphics, mechanics, and sometimes changes to the story or gameplay.
Ans. A remaster is an upgraded version of an existing game with improved graphics, audio, and minor gameplay tweaks, but it retains the original game’s core content and mechanics.
Ans. A full redesign with modern graphics, updated mechanics, and possible story changes comes under the remake umbrella. However, substantial visual and audio enhancements while preserving the original game’s structure is known as remaster.
Ans. Yes, remakes often include new content, such as expanded storylines, new characters, or updated gameplay elements.
Ans. Yes, remasters are typically optimized for modern consoles with better resolution, frame rates, and performance.
