2002’s The Thing is widely regarded as one of the best horror games based on an existing media franchise. Many licensed horror games unfortunately veer into genres that require a specific setup, such as asymmetrical multiplayer experiences or short VR experiences, but The Thing – a third-person squad-based shooter – dared to go one step further. further, telling his unique story. serves as a fitting sequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 film masterpiece.
It’s not a game that frequents the usual remaster wish lists, but Nightdive Studios is still delivering what few of us knew we wanted with The Thing: Remastered. Announced during IGN Live and slated for a Switch release later this year, the Computer Artworks original is getting the full revamp treatment, with updated visuals, improved lighting, numerous quality-of-life tweaks, and more.
To learn a little more about the project, we spoke with Larry Kuperman (Director of Business Development) and Stephen Kick (Studio Director) at Nightdive Studios. They discuss what led to the decision to revisit The Thing, what Switch fans can expect from the game’s performance, and which horror movies the team thinks would translate well to games…
Nintendo Life: First of all, why The Thing? What made you want to review this title?
Larry Cooper: For starters, we’re all fans of the classic movie as well as the game itself. Remember that the game was originally released in 2002; we thought the game was great, but flawed in the sense that the original developers took it as far as the technology of the time would allow. Now, with modern gaming systems, we have a chance to fulfill their vision.
Stephen Kick: I’ve always been a huge horror fan and when the game was released I played it on day one. It was the first licensed game to live up to the legacy presented by the film, and the fact that it was a sequel and officially considered canon made it extra special. The Thing is a title I’ve wanted to play since Nightdive’s inception, and I’m honored that we’re getting the chance to introduce a new generation of fans to this amazing game.
Nightdive has handled some big IPs in the past, but The Thing is arguably one of the most revered horror franchises of all time. How did you feel taking the reins with this project?
Larry: I think that “respect” was exactly the right word. It’s really exciting and a little scary at the same time.
Stephen: I have Drew Struzan’s legendary Thing poster hanging outside my office. It feels unreal to work on the property, but it speaks volumes for how far Nightdive has come in delivering some of the best revamped experiences. I couldn’t be more proud of what our team has accomplished. My only hope is that fans of the game and the movie will love what we have to offer.
The original title was published by Vivendi’s Black Label Games on PC and Konami on consoles – was it difficult to get the rights to work on this project?
Larry: I can’t comment on the details of the contract, but fans should know that we’ve been working to get the rights to this game for several years.
How important was it to have Mark Atkinson, one of the original directors, on board to help? What kind of knowledge has he imparted? Did anyone else from the OG team help?
Larry: Absolutely! Ron Ashtiani was the first from OG to join us on this project and it was Ron who introduced us to Mark. Both Ron and Mark work directly with our team on a daily basis. They have helped us understand the vision of the original game, pointing out things that would have been changed or improved if they had the technology and time.
Aside from the visuals, can you talk about the other improvements that have been applied to the game?
Larry: I can’t go into details, both because we want fans to be surprised and also because the game is still in development. But fans should expect significant improvements in the quality of the game, staying very true to the original vision. As always, our goal is to give fans a remaster that ‘plays like you remember it’ only slightly better.
Stephen: One thing I will mention is that the lighting is getting a massive overhaul. The Thing was a terrifying cinematic experience, and we’re taking a close look at the film and how it was lit to infuse the same atmosphere into the game.
What challenges did you face with this project? Did you encounter any difficulties that you may not have encountered with previous games?
Larry: I wouldn’t consider this a “difficulty”, but through Ron and Mark we have received a large amount of original assets and materials. Some we are using in the game itself. For the remainder, we are trying to decide on the best course for conservation. That’s the kind of challenge that’s good to have.
Your games will have great appeal to an older audience who probably played the original, but how will you entice new fans with The Thing: Remastered?
Larry: Fan reaction to our announcement of The Thing has been spectacular and has extended beyond gamers who played the original. Fans of movies and horror movies in general, people who wouldn’t otherwise be interested in games, make up the largest new sector of our audience. Looking at the number of views of the trailer, as well as a few other factors, tells us that this title will have mainstream appeal.
We know you’re aiming for 4K resolution and 144fps performance, but what can you tell us specifically about the Switch version? Will the performance match that of previous versions like PO’ed and Dark Forces?
Larry: Yes, The Thing will have all the performance improvements fans have come to expect from Nightdive titles. Switch will also get Gyro aiming.
Many Nightdive games have options to allow for a more ‘retro’ look that may appeal to fans of the original title. Is this the case with The Thing?
Stephen: With this specific title, due to the complexity of the assets, there won’t be an option to switch back and forth between the original and remastered visuals.
Finally, do you have a favorite horror movie or TV show that you think would translate well to video games?
Stephen: I personally would like to see the movie Mandy adapted into the game, but as a sequel in the same way the game The Thing was adapted. Something about Nicolas Cage’s third-person control as he battles demons and new-age cultists with a chainsaw and that giant ax excites me.
I would also like to see Destruction get some sort of adaptation – it’s basically a modern take on HP Lovecraft Color out of space, but it is more suitable for a game. Play as a team of multidisciplinary explorers thrust into an ever-changing, evolving environment full of wonder and horror. Coincidentally there was a movie adaptation of the original story starring Nicolas Cage, so one way or another we’re getting Nick Cage in a horror game!
