This was a project by the original developers, not by gearbox. The original game, while incredible, had stability, optimization, and probably most importantly, multiplayer issues.
The community had asked for a way to play together online without third party solutions, but the code base needed to be rebuilt to facilitate that.

[–] TheEntity@kbin.social -5 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

We didn't. The new publisher (Gearbox) apparently did.

EDIT: Apparently it was already started by the original devs even before the acquisition, see the comments below. I must admit, the multiplayer was wonky so there is some merit to it.

[–] JamesBean@kbin.social -5 points 8 months ago (3 children)

Gearbox bought the franchise from its original devs about a year ago, and this is one of their attempts to capitalize on that purchase.

[–] poke@sh.itjust.works 18 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Hopoo, the original devs, were already making this and got to finish working on it after the purchase. It adds new content and refines the gameplay of the original (movement feels better and the game just generally plays better) - it was also designed with modding in mind.

[–] tdawg@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Yeah wasn't all of that to help fund their next secret project?

[–] Jakeroxs@sh.itjust.works 1 points 8 months ago

I'm pretty sure the secret project was this remake

[–] Lilli@lemmy.blahaj.zone 6 points 8 months ago

I don’t think that’s the case at all. Gearbox is developing a mobile game to take advantage of owning the property, along with whatever they plan to do with Risk of Rain 2 now. Returns is from the original studio and is more of a love letter / farewell to the franchise.

[–] 7lbmonkey@kbin.social 4 points 8 months ago

This project was an effort by the original developers, not by gearbox.