Very few studios have managed to capture the essence of storytelling quite like Remedy Entertainment. With a legacy built on iconic titles, the Finnish game developer is once again in the limelight, weaving a narrative that intertwines the worlds of Alan Wake and Control.
The two mind-bending Remedy titles have shared a universe for a while now, and it seems that universe will have an even more prominent role soon. The gaming community was abuzz when Sam Lake, the creative director at Remedy, confirmed that Alan Wake 2 would set the stage for Control 2 in an interview with Wccftech.
Question: With your plans to expand the Remedy Connected universe, can we expect Alan Wake 2 to somehow lead into Control 2?
Sam Lake: Yeah. It’s interesting. We did that in a very clear way with Control, especially the AWE DLC, setting up things. We have publicly announced that we are working on Control 2 and like you saw the FBC (Federal Bureau of Control) does play a key role in the Alan Wake 2 story.
We are not saying anything definite at this time, but we are setting things up that will play a role in the future of the Remedy Connected universe.
This revelation, while exciting, was not entirely unexpected. Remedy has always been known for its complex storytelling, and the idea of a shared universe between its games is an intriguing prospect and can deepen the backstory of both IPs.
But what does this mean for fans of both franchises? For starters, the Remedy Connected Universe is expanding. Alan Wake 2, set to release on October 27, is not just a sequel to a beloved game; it’s a bridge to a larger narrative.
The game, which has been in development for about four years with a team of approximately 130 people, promises to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Dark Place and its connection to the Federal Bureau of Control.
Remedy has also ensured that Alan Wake 2 won’t be capped at the traditional 30 fps on consoles. This move is a nod to the demands of gamers, who have long argued that next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S have the power to deliver higher frame rates without compromising on visual fidelity.
On the other hand, Control 2, while still in its conceptual stage, is already generating buzz. The game’s development budget is set at a whopping €50 million, and Remedy’s decision to use its proprietary Northlight Engine, as opposed to the popular Unreal Engine 5, speaks volumes about the studio’s commitment to delivering a unique gaming experience.
Remedy’s approach to storytelling transcends traditional gaming. The studio has embraced multimedia storytelling, with live-action content, custom-created songs, and a potential exploration of transmedia opportunities in the future.
This holistic approach to narrative is what sets Remedy apart in an industry that often prioritizes gameplay mechanics over story. As the release date for Alan Wake 2 draws near, one thing is clear: Remedy Entertainment is on the cusp of something monumental.
The studio is not just releasing games; it’s crafting a universe that promises to captivate gamers for years to come. Whether you’re a fan of Alan Wake’s suspenseful narrative or Control’s supernatural intrigue, the future looks bright for Remedy’s interconnected world.
