The surreal role-playing game 'Off' has finally received its official English translation, marking the culmination of a decade-long fan effort that has been instrumental in the game's cult following. The game's creator, Mortis Ghost, and composer Alias Conrad Coldwood, first released 'Off' in 2008, but it wasn't until a dedicated fan, Quinn K, took it upon herself to translate the game from French to English that it gained widespread recognition.

K's initial translation, released in 2011, was far from perfect, but it sparked a community of fans who were drawn to the game's unique atmosphere and quirky charm. Despite its flaws, the translation helped 'Off' spread through word of mouth, with fans creating their own art, cosplay, and fan fiction. By 2013, 'Off' had become an "astonishing success," with users on the Starmen.net forums spreading the game and its fan creations to DeviantArt and Tumblr.

However, K was aware of the translation's limitations and embarked on a second version in 2012. This time, she collaborated with other fans, including artist Lady Saytenn, who added an option for the batter to be referred to with they/them pronouns. The second translation reached a younger wave of fans, but some felt that it was overly sanitized, with K deliberately making some characters "a little less crass" and removing an instance of the R-slur.

The latest development in 'Off's translation journey is the announcement of an official remaster, set to release later this year. The remaster will feature an improved script, updated combat mechanics, new animations, and additional content written by Ghost. Notably, the remaster will be "based on" K's translation, and she has been paid for her years of fan labor. While some fans may be divided over which of the now four major versions is the best, K is excited to rediscover the game and acknowledges that the remaster has improved the translation in every conceivable way.

The story of 'Off's translation serves as a testament to the power of fan dedication and the importance of acknowledging and building upon community efforts. In an industry where fan translations are often unacknowledged or taken down, the remake's recognition of K's work is a rare and welcome step. As Ghost notes, "the game now belongs much more to the community," and the remaster's success will be a fitting tribute to the fans who have made 'Off' what it is today.

With the remaster on the horizon, fans of 'Off' can look forward to a polished and refined experience that preserves the original atmosphere while introducing new elements to enhance gameplay. As K works on her own games, including the roguelike RPG 'Blanksword,' inspired by 'Off,' the legacy of this surreal RPG continues to grow, thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of its dedicated fan base.