Games are what we all play for different purposes. Many of you might play it for just fun as a hobby or some may play it on a professional level.
Games are of many types which are broadly classified as outdoor and some are indoor. Some games mainly require your intelligence or mindset. Whereas, some mainly focus on your health and fitness.
Most people who play games tend to feel fresh and less anxious as they can divert their stress by playing games. Playing games does not only contribute to the development of our body but also makes us social, and active and helps us to follow rules.
When it comes to games, playing video games is one of the most popular time leisure activities in the current era. Nowadays, video games with their popularity have left all other games behind. Although video games are mostly loved by kids, still it is developed not just for kids but for adults and older adults.
As there is a rapid advancement in technology, powerful consoles and modern video games are replacing the older ones. Despite, modern consoles and video games, many people want to return to simpler times. That is why many companies are returning to older games for newer consoles.
These types of games are produced under the names reboot, remake, remaster, or port. These terms seem similar but are different from each other. They all differ in terms of how much modification the designer makes the game.
In the reboot, the designer takes elements and concepts from previous games but with new ideas to modify the game. Whereas remakes— is where the game developer attempts to rebuild the game from its original form to make it modern and playable for the new generation. While in the remaster, the game is taken just as it is but it is modified to look good on newer devices. In port, the game is simply modified to run on other platforms.
These are just a few differences to know in-depth about the reboot, remake, remaster, and port read till the end as I will be covering all.
What is a Reboot in video games?
In simple words, a reboot is a modification in the video game in which the designer takes elements and concepts from previous games but new ideas are implemented in it.
Usually, there are major changes in the characters, setting, graphics, and overall story. Previous designs of the game are also discarded to make the rebooted version appealing to a new audience.
These modifications generally are not continuations of the previous video game and can completely change the elements of the video game to appeal to a new audience.
A reboot in comparison to a remake, remaster, or a port changes much more from the original material of the video game.
These are some of the games that have gone through a reboot:
- XCOM: Enemy Unknown (2012)
- Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (2003)
- Doom (2016)
- Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010)
What is a Remake in a video game?
A remake is a rebuilding of a video game to update it for a modern system and sensibility.
In a remake, the developer completely rebuilds the video game from its original form. The purpose of the rebuild is to update the game and make it more playable. The remake of a video game tries to be similar to the original game.
A remake of a video game usually shares a similar name and same story as the previous game. However, there can be many additions or changes in gameplay elements and game content such as enemies, fights, and more.
These are some examples of remade video games:
- Demon’s Souls (2020)
- Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020)
- Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
- Black Mesa (2020)
What is a Remaster in a video game?
It is a type of release that mainly focuses on the good look of the previous game on newer devices. A new game usually comes with the name remastered with a more pleasing environment design and improved characters.
The remaster is slightly different from the remake but the degree of modification in remastering is different from the remake. Other than the design modifications, some other technical things such as sound and voice acting are also improved in remastering. However, most parts of the actual gameplay remain the same.
Following the names of remastered games, you must know:
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered
- The Last of Us Remastered
- DuckTales: Remastered
- Crysis Remastered
What are Ports in a video game?
Port is a type of release in which video games are simply programmed to work on different consoles or platforms.
In simple words, the port is when another studio is contracted to another existing game and modifies its code and execution so it could run as close original as possible but on other platforms. Ports are very common as games are designed for one platform and to move on other platforms as well.
In a port, the same game is released with the same name. There can also be some additional content in the game according to the console it is being run.
Reboot, Remake, Remaster, and Ports in Video Games: How do they differ?
Remake, reboot, remaster, and ports in video games have many similar characteristics which make it difficult for the gamers to identify their differences.
Reboot, remake, remaster, and ports in video games are mainly different from each other in terms of modifications or features introduced in these types of releases. The table below represents the modification of each release for your better understanding.
| Terms | Modifications |
| Remake | Rebuild a video game to update it for a modern system and sensibility |
| Reboot | Modification in the characters, setting, graphics, and overall story of a video game |
| Remaster | Modifications are made in the design, sound, and voice acting of the game |
| Ports | The code of a game is modified to make the game run on different consoles or platforms. |
A remake is mainly a rebuild to update it for a modern system and sensibility. Unlike remaking, a reboot releases characters, setting, graphics, and overall story of a video game are modified.
In remastering, the design, sound, and voice acting of the game are mainly changed. Whereas, in the port release code of a game is modified to make the game run on different consoles or platforms.
You can have a look at this video for a better understanding of remake, reboot, remaster, and ports in video games.
Is a Remastered game better than the original?
As the remaster of a game is not completely a rebuild of the game. So you might be thinking is the remastered version of a game better than the original game?
Yes! the remastered game is better than the original game as it is a modernized version of the previous game with improved features
A remaster is said to be a digital facelift to the older version of the game as it mainly focuses on character and environmental design.
What happens when a game is Remastered?
As the remastered game is way better than its original game you might be thinking that what happens when a game is remastered?
Remaster in a game includes changes for hardware improvement such as improved resolution, a few added visual effects, and improved sound.
Besides these changes rest of the remaster offers the same game as the original one.
Final Thoughts
Remake, reboot, remaster, and ports video games are different from each other as they are all modified to a specific degree.
Whether you choose to play remade, rebooted, remastered, or port a video game, your interest and passion are the things that matter a lot.
Your interest and passion for the game mean a lot, even if we talk from a professional gaming perspective. Your interest, passion, practice, and consistency are the key factors that make you an expert in the game.
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