Remastered that fixes the most annoying part of the 2002 original

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Key insights

  • The Thing: Remastered will not have any scripted burst-out sequences.
  • Forced infections are widely considered one of the most frustrating parts of the 2002 original.
  • While the new infection system will be fairer, it will also be harsher, as it will make some NPCs even more vulnerable to becoming infected and turning into monsters.



The Thing: Remastered Nightdive Studios has confirmed that there will be no scripted “burst-out” sequences where characters are forced to become infected. The upcoming remaster will therefore eliminate what is widely considered to be the most annoying aspect of The thingbut this will be done in a way that doesn't make the game any easier.

Originally published in 2002, The thing is still touted as one of the best arctic horror games of all time. Its cult status is largely due to a unique infection system inspired by John Carpenter's iconic film. The basic idea behind this mechanic is that almost any NPC can become infected and transform into the titular “Thing,” turning against their former allies. Some fans found the system to be quite unforgiving, especially since the game also featured several scripted sequences in which certain NPCs would become infected and “break out” even if the player did everything right.


The Thing has remastered key art for playable characters

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This annoying aspect of the game will remain in the annals of history, as Mark Atkinson, the director of the 2002 original and consultant on Nightdive Studios' upcoming remaster, recently confirmed. Speaking to Syfy, Atkinson revealed that the modernized version of the survival horror game does not include any scripted burst-out sequences, ensuring that the system will no longer be subject to additional stress through forced infection cheating. “The infection system was implemented and available in the original game, but there were a few places where squadmates would get infected and break out for no reason, which players really didn't like,” Nightdive software developer Josh Dowell said of the reasoning behind the change.



The thing: Remastered's infection system will be more merciless

Although removing the scripted breakout sequences will inevitably lead to Nightdive The Thing: Remastered less frustrating, the overall experience won't be any easier. On the contrary, says Dowell, the developers decided to make some NPCs more susceptible to infection, so that the overall system would be fairer but also more unforgiving.

The infection system was implemented and available in the original game, but there were a few places where teammates would get infected and break out for no reason, which players really didn't like.

See how direct contact with The thingWith the monster now the only way to become infected, players can at least optimize their runs and repeat sections to minimize the number of tragedies they experience. Even if they don't turn into monsters, there's still a chance for the comrades to become so traumatized that they “cower up and freak out,” Atkinson said.


While there is currently no official release date known for the upcoming horror game, the June announcement promised a 2024 release, leaving little time to achieve that goal. However, Xbox seems to be convinced of this The Thing: Remastered will be released on December 5th. In addition to the latest two generations of Microsoft consoles, the modernized version of the game will also appear on the PS4, PS5, Switch and PC.

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