Alkimia Interactive weighs what need to change or stay the same with Gothic 1 Remake

Today, Publisher THQ Nordic and developer Alkimia Interaction have released the second making-of video for Gothic 1 Remake, following up on the first video that released in early February.

Much like last go around, this making-of video brings key members of the development staff to talk about the thought process and rationale that has gone into developing the remake. Specifically for this episode, what determined elements of the game the team made a conscious effort to change, and what was deliberately kept true to the original experience. Reinhard Pollice (Head of Studio & Game Director), Andre Taulien (Senior Programmer), Javier Untoria (Lead Game Designer) and more discuss some of the changes - such as expanding upon underutilized areas from the original game by taking inspiration from originally cut content, and addressing plot holes within the game's narrative.

We've embedded the new video below, where players can here more detailed rationale behind some of the team's changes. Gothic 1 Remake launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam), with a release date not yet set. A demo is currently available for the game on PC.

Today, developer Alkimia Interactive has revealed new insights into the Gothic 1 Remake. The development team offered another in-depth look, as part of their making-of-series, into the creation of their ambitious project: This remake of the cult classic will not only deliver a complete visual overhaul but also introduce systemic and narrative refinements that aim to elevate the beloved original into a modern experience.

"Our job was to find out what elements should stay exactly as they are and what elements should be expanded," explains Reinhard Pollice, Alkimia Interactive's Studio Director. Throughout the production, the developers found themselves constantly navigating between honoring the original while thoughtfully enhancing it with new ideas to make the experience even more compelling. Gothic 1 Remake aims to stay true to the original’s core narrative, while addressing long-standing issues: Plot holes, contradictions, and logical inconsistencies have been carefully reviewed and rewritten.

Creating a believable, breathing open world is one of the remake’s central design goals. The team implemented a detailed living world simulation where characters follow daily routines, witness player actions, and dynamically respond to events, even when the player isn’t nearby. "We’re not just configuring NPCs’ homes or schedules.", says Javier Untoria, Lead Game Designer.

Another exciting part of the remake is how the development team expands existing areas and and found inspiration in elements that were originally cut. The development team looked at areas that were empty in the original and fleshed them out. From mysterious dungeons to hidden paths and deeper interactions with orc culture, many of the game’s lore-rich aspects are being given space to truly shine.