# Retro Action Game Remasters id Software Announced the Heretic + Hexen Remaster Collection By Colin Smith | Published 2025-08-12 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heretic-hexen References: [kitguru.net](https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/id-software-shadow-drops-heretic-hexen-remaster-at-quakecon/) & [store.steampowered](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3286930/Heretic__Hexen/) Heretic + Hexen is a unified, definitive restoration of two of [id Software’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quake-ii-remastered) seminal dark fantasy shooters, originally developed by Raven Software on a modified DOOM engine. Published by [Bethesda Softworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hi-fi-rush) and co-developed with [Nightdive Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sin-reloaded), the collection launched on Steam on August 7, 2025. The release consolidates Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders, Hexen: Beyond Heretic, and the Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel expansion into a single package, bringing these 1994–1995 titles to modern platforms with updated code and assets. The remaster introduces a range of enhancements tailored to contemporary audiences and hardware. Core improvements include multithreaded rendering for up to 4K resolution at 120 FPS, online cross-platform deathmatch and cooperative modes for up to 16 players, local split-screen support, an enhanced soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult, and an in-game mod browser. Accessibility options such as updated UI, improved legibility, contrast and screen-effect adjustments, and text-to-speech are also provided. Two all-new episodes—Heretic: Faith Renewed and Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur—expand the original campaign content, which in total features 117 campaign maps and 120 deathmatch maps, while modern conveniences like a weapon carousel, game-balance toggle, Quick Save/Load, and widescreen support ensure compatibility with today’s gaming standards. Image Credit: id Software ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 47% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Retro Game Revivals:** The resurgence of classic games reflects a growing nostalgia among gamers, pushing demand for polished remasters and enhanced re-releases. - **Cross-platform Gaming:** As players increasingly seek seamless multiplayer experiences, cross-platform compatibility is reshaping the gaming landscape by breaking down barriers. - **Enhanced Game Accessibility:** Advancements in accessibility options are broadening gaming's appeal, making it more inclusive for a diverse audience. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Video Game Development:** Game studios are leveraging technological advancements to revive and modernize legacy titles, catering to both retro enthusiasts and new gamers. - **Digital Distribution Platforms:** As remastered collections become increasingly popular, digital platforms offer unique opportunities for bundling and distribution of enhanced classic games. - **Gaming Hardware Manufacturing:** The demand for gaming experiences with higher resolutions and frame rates fuels innovation in hardware, driving the development of more powerful gaming devices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Classic FPS Remaster Releases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sin-reloaded.md) - [Iconic Horror Game Remasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/system-shock-2-remaster.md) - [Improved Fidelity Action Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legacy-of-kain-remastered.md) - [Genre-Defining Shooter Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quake-ii-remastered.md) - [Remastered Classic Game Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quake-ii.md) - [Retro RTS Game Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/warcraft-remastered-battle-chest.md) - [Remastered Third-Person Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/duke-nukem-collection-2.md) - [Remastered Expansive RPGs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oblivion-remastered.md) - [Remastered Cult Classic Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heroes-of-newerth-reborn.md)