Beloved RPG Developers Allow Fans to Keep Unintentionally Free Game

Every now and then, a game will spark a buzz online when it unexpectedly becomes available for free downloads, only for the developers to step in and fix the issue. In early April, when the retro RPG Wasteland Remastered popped up for free on Microsoft and Xbox stores, players speculated whether this would be another case of a glitch being reversed. However, inXile had a different plan.

Instead of pulling the game, inXile has decided to let everyone who snagged it during the glitch keep their copy, and they’re also making it playable. This is significant because those who downloaded Wasteland Remastered before the glitch was caught were left with a version that didn’t work. While the original non-functional copy will remain as is, inXile is offering players the chance to download a new, fully operational version.

The original Wasteland debuted in 1988 and has been a key influence on post-apocalyptic titles like Fallout. Its impact is clear, featuring a top-down perspective, a striking neon-green interface, and a desolate, irradiated world. The remastered edition boasts updated graphics, enhanced music, and more.

User reviews suggest that transitioning from modern RPGs to Wasteland can be a bit jarring. For instance, you might find yourself at a location marked as the next area to explore, only to hit a wall until you use your Perception skill to locate the actual entrance. However, for those curious about gaming history or nostalgic fans of the original, Wasteland Remastered is definitely worth a look.

For those who didn’t grab it for free, the game is currently on sale for just over $3 and is accessible to all Game Pass subscribers. If you enjoy CRPGs but prefer a smoother experience, Wasteland 3 might be a better fit.