Nightdive Studios announced during IGN Live today that they are remastering the 2002 game The Thing, based on John Carpenter’s cinematic horror masterpiece. The Vancouver, Washington-based developer is best known for their well-received remasters of games like System Shock (2023) and Dark Forces.
The remastered edition of the cult-classic survival horror game serves as a continuation of Universal Pictures’ genre-defining 1982 film. The game will be available on PC and consoles later this year, featuring enhanced HD visuals, improved animations, advanced 3D rendering for updated lighting and atmospheric effects, and more.
The Thing: Remastered is a faithful restoration of the cult-classic 2002 third-person survival horror shooter game. Nightdive Studios has upgraded this horrifying classic for the modern era through its proprietary KEX Engine for play on current-generation gaming devices up to a 4K resolution at 120FPS. Improvements to character models, textures, and animations have been hand-crafted by Nightdive Studios, with the implementation of advanced 3D rendering for updated lighting and atmospheric effects, resulting in a suspenseful and disgustingly detailed remaster that brings the thrilling game to life for modern audiences.
Speaking about the game, Larry Kuperman, Nightdive Studios’ Director of Business Development, said:
Many of us at Nightdive Studios are ardent fans of the horror genre, so it’s been an incredible honor to work within the world of the iconic The Thing. The 1982 film is a masterpiece and truly one of the most impactful pieces of art in the horror genre. With The Thing: Remastered, we’re honoring that legacy and Computer Artworks’ incredible game inspired by the story that further expanded the lore.
The story takes place in the frozen wasteland of Antarctica, where a mysterious shape-shifting alien has wiped out the crew of the U.S. Outpost #31 research facility. In The Thing: Remastered, players step into the boots of Captain J.F. Blake, the leader of a United States Army Special Forces rescue team sent to investigate the blood-curdling events that transpired in the original The Thing film. Trapped by the elements and at risk of infection by a horrific entity, Blake must keep his squad together to survive by gaining their trust and ensuring that their fear and paranoia don’t get the best of them … or himself.
The Thing: Remastered Key Features:
- Return to U.S. Outpost #31: Continue the story of The Thing and face off against terrifying monsters, from scuttling head-spiders and human-like walkers to gigantic multi-tentacled level bosses
- Who Goes There?: Command a squad of up to four NPCs from Soldier, Medic, and Engineer character classes through the game’s 11 frightening levels
- The Warmest Place to Hide: Someone in your squad may not be who they appear to be. The shape-shifting alien hides inside an imitation, so keep a watchful eye.
- Don’t Lose It: Gain the trust of your squad members and minimize their fear levels lest they become defiant or, worse, succumb to paranoia
- Ultimate Alien Terror: Upgraded models, textures, and animations hand-crafted by Nightdive, plus enhanced lighting and atmospheric effects
- Stunning Visuals: Up to 4K 120FPS visuals on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
- Checkmate: Trophies and Achievements on Windows PC via Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles
Nightdive Studios will release The Thing: Remastered digitally on Windows PC via Steam and GOG, PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch later this year.
You can watch the brand-new reveal trailer for the game below.
