Though FBC: Firebreak is set to expand Remedy Entertainment's in-game universe as an FPS offshoot of Control, it also appears to be making the same controversial decision as the studio's other recent game, Alan Wake 2. Besides being Remedy's first-ever multiplayer game, the initial announcement and upcoming launch of FBC: Firebreak could be a refreshing change of pace as a continuation of the events of the first Control. However, while a sequel to Control has been confirmed and teased via Alan Wake 2's The Lake House DLC, FBC: Firebreak appears to be a lighter, more action-oriented game in Remedy's connected universe of games.
But FBC: Firebreak also seems to be taking more notes from Alan Wake 2 than just preceding Control's eventual sequel, especially when social media posts, game prices, and available platforms suggest that the game will only be available as a digital copy.
FBC: Firebreak launches on June 17th on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S! The standard edition will be available for $39.99 / €39.99 / £32.99 and the Deluxe Edition for $49.99 / €49.99 / £39.99. Wishlist now! Www.playfirebreak.com #FBCFirebreak [image or embed] — Remedy Entertainment (@remedygames.com) April 24, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Though a digital-only strategy might work best for an online PvE co-op shooter, it marks a growing trend among Remedy's games not receiving physical versions, similar to Alan Wake 2. Yet, while Alan Wake 2 was eventually released as a physical copy after initial criticism, FBC: Firebreak's launch could aim to test the waters for Remedy's future games.
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After Alan Wake 2, FBC: Firebreak's Digital-Only Release is Risky
In contrast to Remedy's reputation for immersive story-driven single-player games with the likes of Alan Wake, Control, and Quantum Break, FBC: Firebreak explores new story and gameplay ideas that the studio might otherwise have been unable to. With FBC: Firebreak capitalizing on Control's existing narratives and designs, the upcoming multiplayer game can focus on ensuring its gameplay loop remains engaging and rewarding for players, while free post-launch updates can pull from a wealth of established lore. Moreover, FBC: Firebreak could continue to evolve and lead back into Control 2, given that the sequel is confirmed to be in development.
However, any success FBC: Firebreak might have could be undermined should it not receive a physical release, especially when it could spark the same backlash that Alan Wake 2 saw when it initially released as a digital-only game. While the sequel's digital exclusivity likely faced heavier opposition from both Alan Wake fans and players critical of digital-only game ownership, this doesn't mean that FBC: Firebreak won't face controversy like Alan Wake 2. Despite Game Director Mike Kayatta insisting that "FBC: Firebreak is its own, fully formed thing," its association with Control could leave it open to the same level of scrutiny.
As Remedy Entertainment's First Multiplayer, FBC: Firebreak is Already Risky
Since Remedy has primarily focused on story-driven single-player campaigns to date rather than multiplayer games, there are no previous games in its portfolio to properly compare FBC: Firebreak to. For instance, another developer best known for its story-driven RPGs, BioWare's online multiplayer game Anthem failed to perform despite recent successes in Mass Effect 3 and Dragon Age: Inquisition. With Remedy seemingly in a similar position and potentially leaning on Control's story and characters like Jesse Faden as leverage, there's no guarantee that FBC: Firebreak will be as successful as its other games.
FBC: Firebreak's Digital-Only Release Could Reinforce A Precedent
As a result, restricting FBC: Firebreak to a digital-only release could dissuade players from buying the game at launch due to the uncertainty regarding the entertainment value of its gameplay and the potential likelihood of cancellation if the game underperforms. However, while the digital-only model has worked for other online multiplayer games such as Fortnite and Helldivers 2, Remedy's games are typically single-player. Therefore, should FBC: Firebreak beat the odds and prove successful, it could embolden the studio's position on favoring digital-only games regardless of the backlash it received for Alan Wake 2.
Source: Xbox Wire
FBC: Firebreak
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 65 /100 Critics Rec: 25%
- Released
- June 17, 2025
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence, Blood
- Developer(s)
- Remedy Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Remedy Entertainment
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Northlight Engine
- Genre(s)
- FPS
