Artists Involved in the Creation of Original Plants vs. Zombies Express That They Weren't Contacted by EA Regarding the Replanted Remake: "I'd be willing to contribute... I suppose"
In a surprising turn of events, the upcoming remake of the classic arcade strategy game, Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, co-developed by PopCap Games and The Lost Pixels, has caused a stir among fans and the original creators.
The remake was revealed during this week's Nintendo Direct, and according to the Steam page, it features a new Art and Concept Library, including never-before-seen pre-production sketches and game history. However, the original artists, such as Rich Werner and Enrique Corts, were not consulted or involved in the project.
Rich Werner, the original Plants vs. Zombies artist, shared his feelings of exclusion on Twitter, expressing surprise at the claim of a new art and concept library in the remake. Werner stated that he was not informed about the remake or asked to work on it. Enrique Corts, the Plants vs. Zombies background artist, also felt it was strange to see his work redone in the remake without his involvement.
Edmund McMillen, the creator of The Binding of Isaac, showed his support for Werner by sharing his tweet about his exclusion from the Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted remake. A fan encouraged Werner to reach out about the remake, to which Werner responded that no one seems to want him to be a part of it.
The Super Mega Team X account, who are handling the remaster, even apologized publicly for having to redraw background art from the original. This suggests that the remake did not consult or collaborate with the original artists.
Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is being remastered with upscaled HD graphics and is scheduled for release on various platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch and Switch 2, on October 23, 2025. The remake will also include more levels and modes, local co-op, and new secrets to uncover.
Despite the controversy, the remake is generating excitement among fans, who are eager to experience the classic game with updated graphics and new features. However, the absence of the original artists has left a sour taste for some, raising questions about the creative process behind the remake.
As of now, no direct official explanation has been given regarding why the original artists were excluded from the remake. The remake was commissioned and announced officially by EA/PopCap to modernize the game, likely using an in-house or new team rather than bringing back original freelance artists.
[1] https://www.gamespot.com/articles/plants-vs-zombies-replanted-remake-announced-with-new-art-and-concept-library/1100-6503815/ [2] https://www.ign.com/articles/plants-vs-zombies-replanted-revealed-in-nintendo-direct [3] https://www.polygon.com/22683158/plants-vs-zombies-replanted-remake-artists-excluded [4] https://www.gamesradar.com/plants-vs-zombies-replanted-remake-announced/
- The remake of the classic strategy game, Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, co-developed by PopCap Games and The Lost Pixels, has sparked discussion among fans and the original creators, with the original artists expressing feelings of exclusion from the project.
- Rich Werner, the original Plants vs. Zombies artist, shared his surprise on Twitter after learning about the remake's new Art and Concept Library, revealing that he was never consulted or asked to participate.
- Enrique Corts, the Plants vs. Zombies background artist, also expressed puzzlement over his work being reimagined without his collaboration.
- Notably, Edmund McMillen, the creator of The Binding of Isaac, expressed support for Werner, sharing his tweet about the exclusion from the Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted remake.
- The Super Mega Team X account, responsible for the remaster, apologized for having to redraw background art from the original, suggesting a lack of collaboration with the original artists.
- Debuting on various platforms like PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch, including the upcoming Switch 2, Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is set for release on October 23, 2025, boasting upscaled HD graphics, additional levels, local co-op, and new secrets.
- Despite some controversy, the remake has ignited excitement among fans, looking forward to experiencing the revamped game with improved visuals and new features.
- At present, no clear explanation has been provided regarding why the original artists were not involved in the remake, with the project likely being commissioned by EA/PopCap in an effort to modernize the game with an in-house or new team.
