WayForward and ModRetro Clarify Collaboration on Sabrina: The Animated Series – Zapped! Re-release

WayForward and ModRetro, two distinct players in the retro gaming industry, have issued a joint statement to clarify their collaborative efforts surrounding the anticipated re-release of Sabrina: The Animated Series – Zapped! This announcement comes amid recent rumors and confusion regarding each company's role in the project, especially following the game's return to handheld platforms and its renewed presence among retro gaming enthusiasts. Originally developed by WayForward and launched for Game Boy Color in 2000, Sabrina: The Animated Series – Zapped! has long enjoyed a cult following among fans of licensed platformers and handheld gaming history.

The interest in the game was further reignited in 2024 when ModRetro, the company founded by Palmer Luckey, acquired the rights to the title from Archie Comics.

ModRetro, known for innovating in the Game Boy hardware space with their FPGA-based Game Boy Color clone, Chromatic, assumed stewardship of the IP with the intent of bringing this classic experience to both nostalgic fans and new players. In a statement provided to Time Extension, WayForward CEO Voldi Way and ModRetro CEO Torin Herndon jointly addressed recent speculation: "In 2024, ModRetro acquired the rights to Sabrina the Animated Series: Zapped! from Archie Comics, a title originally developed by WayForward for the Game Boy Color.

Since the acquisition, both WayForward and ModRetro have worked together on coordinating the promotion of this re-release, and we are collectively excited for its return.

We look forward to both existing and new audiences enjoying this fan-favorite game." This joint message provides a clear acknowledgement of both companies' roles.

While ModRetro oversees the game's publishing and distribution, WayForward has lent support through promotional activities, ensuring the legacy of their original work is maintained.

Notably, WayForward clarified earlier that their involvement in licensing, production, and revenue participation concerning this specific re-release was limited, stating: "This was negotiated and handled entirely between the publisher and the IP holder, without WayForward's involvement in decisions regarding licensing, production, or publication." The Sabrina: Zapped! re-release marks another high-profile project for ModRetro, following the successful launch of the Chromatic handheld and their ongoing partnerships with indie developers to bring classic and homebrew Game Boy titles to modern audiences.

The company has sparked debates within the retro gaming and homebrew communities, with the Chromatic device receiving both positive reviews for its technical achievements and scrutiny linked to Palmer Luckey's involvement. As the renewed Sabrina: The Animated Series – Zapped! arrives for a new generation, both classic Game Boy and Nintendo Switch fans can look forward to experiencing a beloved artifact of early 2000s handheld gaming.

This collaboration between WayForward and ModRetro underscores a shared commitment to game preservation and accessibility, highlighting the evolving landscape of retro game publishing.

WayForward ModRetro