GoldenEye Getting A Next-Gen Remaster?
Rumors are building that iconic first-person shooter Goldeneye 007 may be finally getting a next gen remaster, and here's why.
This article is more than 2 years old
Could it be that one of the most desired remakes is finally about to happen and on next-gen consoles nonetheless? Well, while still unconfirmed, the evidence pointing towards a new GoldenEye 007 remaster of the original 1997 hit game for Nintendo 64 continues to mount. Danjaq, LLC, the company that holds rights over all-things James Bond, was granted a second extension on March 15, in several different classifications, including “downloadable electronic game software.”
This doesn’t necessarily mean anything, according to GameSpot, as trademarks are filed and extended regularly, even without any intention to release a specific product. However, the continuous trademark renewal for GoldenEye 007 is particularly interesting, considering that the remaster of the N64 classic has been rumored for quite some time now. Unfortunately, we’re truly sailing uncharted waters here, as the information regarding this particular gaming gem always contains certain contradictions.
Namely, with each annual trademark renewal for GoldenEye 007, the gaming community and media outlets immediately assume that the iconic title is getting a remake, which adds additional fuel to an already rampaging fire. The remake/remaster already rumored on several occasions, including our last year’s report, which centered around the original trademark renewal. Admittedly though, this could mean one of two things: Danjaq protecting their IP or filing a renewal for a “downloadable electronic game software” tied to the game’s alleged development.
The latter is particularly interesting for several reasons. But before we list them, it’s worth noting that these rumors are always shadowed by excuses as to why the game isn’t announced or is currently suffering in development hell. Last year, we mentioned “challenging rights,” Danjaq, LLC withdrew said rights after Activision’s failed game to prevent the franchise from tarnishing. This year, the reveal and announcement are allegedly canceled due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the heavy Soviet themes of the N64 game. A smart move, or a low-octane cheap gas for the rumor mill?
But, where there’s smoke, there’s also fire, and the rumors pertaining to the GoldenEye 007 have been circulating for some time, with occasional details accidentally “leaking” — nothing major; bits and crumbs to keep the fandom alive, yet ravenously hungry for more. There’s also a leaked Xbox achievement for GoldenEye 007, which might indicate a remaster that’s not linked to the finished but canceled remaster for Xbox 360. The one Microsoft had to shelf due to “challenging rights.”
However, the most intriguing of reasons is the change of trademark filing category to “downloadable electronic game software.” The original GoldenEye 007 wasn’t downloadable at the time of its release, so there’s hardly and real need to change the trademark’s category. Unless Danjaq granted the license to a gaming company that is developing the game in secret. 2022 marks the 60th anniversary of the James Bond series, and the Danjaq tested the fandoms through the official James Bond Twitter account, advising fans to be on the lookout for announcements, events, and new content across 2022.
One of those surprise announcements might very well be the highly-anticipated GoldenEye 007 remaster. In the end, why not? Even Star Wars: The Knights of the Old Republic is getting one; why should James Bond be any different? There’s money in remasters and remakes.
