News video games 12 June 2023, 22:24

Iconic Fantasy Brand May Return; Phil Spencer Surprises at Xbox Showcase [UPDATE]

At the Xbox Games Showcase, Phil Spencer appeared wearing a T-shirt with the logo of the classic, if now slightly forgotten, PC series, hinting that it may soon return.

In an interview for Polygon Phil Spencer said: "it was not my intention to announce anything prematurely. Rather, it was an appreciation of the importance of certain games in our portfolio". The Xbox chief explained that Hexen was a game he "loved," noting that the T-shirt was an expression of nostalgia and had no hidden meaning. "I realize that by expanding our portfolio we are gaining important [games] that we need to protect and cherish, and maybe at some point bring back to the market."

Last year, shortly after Microsoft announced its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard, Xbox division head Phil Spencer stated that he would like to resurrect some of the publisher's classic brands. At yesterday's showcase, he seems to have made it clear which of them is a priority for the company.

At the Xbox Games Showcase, Phil Spencer appeared wearing a T-shirt with the cover of Hexen, a first-person action game from 1995.
Hexen was one of the brands that Spencer mentioned among the candidates for a comeback in an interview last year.
The series has actually started with Heretic, but it's most well-known incarnation is Hexen.

Source: Microsoft.

It is worth mentioning that in addition to Hexen Spencer would also like to resurrect King's Quest and Guitar Hero.

Of course, nothing may come of Phil Spencer's plans if Microsoft fails to finalize its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The Redmond giant has been facing problems in getting the deal approved because of concerns from various authorities that it could lead to limiting of competition in the game market.

Microsoft has managed to get approval from most countries. Only two organizations are against the acquisition - the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the British CMA. In the case of the former, the case will find a conclusion in the courtroom, with an evidentiary hearing to be held on August 2, this year. The corporation is also appealing the decision of British regulators, and in their case it has threatened that in the absence of a positive decision it may withdraw Activition Blizzard games from that market.

Fan remaster of Hexen

If all these reports about the possible return of the brand have made you want to remember the original, the best way to do it is with the mod called Hexen HD.

True to its title, it acts as an unofficial remaster. The modification beautifies the graphics, changes the textures, introduces dynamic lighting and modernizes the controls

Hexen HD - download the mod