The Prototype franchise, once a notable part of Activision’s action catalog, has resurfaced in gaming conversations after an unusual update to the original game on Steam. On September 29, SteamDB logs documented that Prototype received a patch modifying several DirectX files, implementing a new End User License Agreement, and updating the game’s credits. These changes, while not accompanied by any official announcement, have reignited speculation about the future of the series.
The updated credits mention an “Ubisoft Connect Version,” pointing to possible integration with Ubisoft’s launcher. This could indicate preparations for a new release or a remastered edition. Ubisoft has previously used its Connect platform to distribute updated versions of older titles, adding weight to the speculation.
The credits also now list Iron Galaxy Studios, a development partner known for technical work on ports and remasters. The studio previously collaborated with Activision on the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, lending credibility to the theory that Prototype may be undergoing similar treatment.
The update has also affected community tools. A widely used modification that improved Prototype’s performance on modern hardware no longer functions following the DirectX file changes. This disruption has been interpreted by some as evidence that the game is being reworked for current systems rather than receiving only minor technical adjustments.
Another notable addition to the credits is Demonware, a company that provides online networking solutions for Activision titles. Its involvement suggests that online features may play a role in the updated version of Prototype, whether as restored functionality or expanded options.
Prototype debuted in 2009, offering open-world gameplay centered on Alex Mercer, a shapeshifting antihero with the ability to consume enemies and mimic their abilities. Its mix of action, parkour, and combat mechanics set it apart from other titles of its time. The sequel, Prototype 2, launched in 2012, continuing the storyline with a new protagonist, but the franchise has remained inactive since then.
With more than a decade having passed since the last installment, speculation now ranges from a remaster of the first game to a potential sequel. While a full continuation of the franchise may be less likely given its dormancy, the technical and credit-related changes seen in the September update provide reason to believe that some form of new release is being prepared.
At present, neither Activision nor Ubisoft has issued a statement regarding the update. The modifications remain unexplained, leaving fans of the series to analyze patch notes and database entries for clues.
Whether the recent activity points to a remaster, remake, or entirely new entry in the series, Prototype has returned to the spotlight, raising anticipation for what might come next.
