Cold Fear, a third-person survival horror game originally released in 2005 by Darkworks, has been removed from Steam. The game's disappearance raises speculation of a possible remaster by its current rights holder, Atari.
Game and Market Context
Released in the same year as the acclaimed Resident Evil 4, Cold Fear attracted attention with its unique stormy whaler setting and eerie creatures. Despite selling approximately 70,000 copies in its first year, the game struggled to achieve broader success due to its inconsistent narrative and challenging gameplay.
Since acquiring the intellectual property from Ubisoft in 2022, Atari has expressed intentions to "expand and evolve" several of its franchises, possibly including Cold Fear.
Potential Remaster by Atari
The removal of Cold Fear from Steam could indicate a simple republishing process or an upcoming refreshed edition. Atari has connections with Nightdive Studios, known for their work on remasters such as Doom and System Shock, suggesting a high-quality update might be in the works.
A remaster could offer improvements like adding a map, enhancing the save system, and maintaining the game's atmospheric appeal while refining gameplay mechanics. Fans of Cold Fear and survival horror enthusiasts may watch for announcements from Atari regarding the future of this cult classic.
