Highly Anticipated RPG Remake Could Be Unplayable for Millions
Topics: THQ Nordic, PlayStation 5, PlayStation, Xbox Series X, Xbox
Featured Image Credit: THQ Nordic
Topics: THQ Nordic, PlayStation 5, PlayStation, Xbox Series X, Xbox
Ahead of one of the most anticipated RPGs of the year, reviving a 20-year-old classic, fans of the franchise have only just realised that the game will be completely unplayable for them.
Back in 2001, we were blessed with a wealth of RPGs that the modern-day game would have adored.
Before The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind - the third title in the series that is hurtling towards a sixth blockbuster game - came Gothic.
Hailed for its world design, character interactions, and leading graphics, the game was only hindered by its own ambition, cramming as much high-quality action onto an unusually large file, overrun with bugs.
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But with modern-day engines, THQ Nordic has celebrated the series' quarter-century birthday with a full revival of the franchise, including a full remake of the original game.
Although for those thinking that the old-school single-player game would be an instant click-and-play game, you might be disappointed.
Way back when, PC gaming was as simple as downloading a game and pressing play. You could play it whenever you want, even if you didn't have an internet connection.
That won't be the case for the Gothic Remake.
Fans have taken to social media to reveal that the upcoming RPG will need to have an active online server to be playable.
The uproar comes after excited fans noticed that there was no mention of needing an online connection on the website and pre-order sites, with many now looking to cancel their purchase.
"Cancel your pre-orders! Gothic Remake is unplayable offline," reads a post from games preservation-dedicated account Does It Play.
An image from a physical disc case of Gothic Remake confirmed that you will need to have a connection to play, which could lock out a large portion of players.
According to the post, players will be met with a notice that says 'unable to check the state of the game,' if they try to play offline, blocking the access.
"THQ is withholding this info from customers! No proper marking on the package. No notice on the store page," they claimed.
Another added, "Remake a 2001 single-player PC game. Force online requirements and server checks for the single-player game. I’m tired, boss."
Cancel your pre-orders! Gothic Remake is unplayable offline. THQ is withholding this info from customers! No proper marking on the package. No notice on the store page.
— Does it play? (@DoesItPlay1) May 22, 2026
This was discovered through a copy of the game that was sent early by the official THQ Store. pic.twitter.com/CuqfnTrptV
One of the biggest problems with this is that it means THQ Nordic could shut down the servers at any point, whereas you can still play the 2001 Gothic without the need for developer support.
For many Steam and console users, it's likely that the additional online update when loading into the game will hardly affect you.
But for legacy RPG enjoyers, it's a bitter pill to swallow.
Gothic Remake is expected to be a stellar title, though, and will launch in full on June 5, just six weeks before a Gothic Classic port will be released on current-gen consoles.
If that has put you off, at least THQ Nordic has another RPG releasing on Steam that openly requires your internet waves.