Remedy's Mixed Report Card: FBC: Firebreak Stumbles While Max Payne and Control 2 Press On
In the world of game development, financial reports are often the clearest window we get into a studio's soul, and Remedy Entertainment's latest dispatch is a fascinating one. The H1 2025 report paints a picture of a developer grappling with the notoriously difficult live-service market while its single-player legacy projects continue to be a source of strength. While the recently launched co-op shooter FBC: Firebreak failed to connect with a commercial audience, the studio confirmed that the highly anticipated Max Payne 1 & 2 remake is in full production, and Control 2 is moving ahead as planned.
It's a classic, if somewhat painful, narrative: the ambitious new project struggles while the established titans hold the line. For fans of Remedy's signature style, this report is a mixed bag of disappointment and relief.
The Firebreak That Fizzled
Let's not mince words. Remedy is openly disappointed with the performance of FBC: Firebreak, its 3-player co-op shooter set in the Control universe. In the report, CEO Tero Virtala stated, “Commercially, we were unsatisfied with the launch-phase consumer sales of FBC: Firebreak.” This frank admission is a refreshing, if sobering, dose of transparency. The game's underperformance on Steam, where the studio anticipated the bulk of its sales, is a clear sign that the title’s core proposition didn't resonate in a market saturated with co-op shooters and suffering from a bad case of live-service fatigue.
However, Remedy isn't pulling the plug. The studio believes the game's core mechanics are solid, noting that players who invested more than an hour left positive reviews. It seems the gameplay loop has potential, but the wrapper failed to entice players to stick around. To that end, a major update is scheduled for September 2025, intended to be the “next step in turning the game into a success.” This patch is expected to add a slate of new content-missions, enemies, guns, and game modes-to address the initial wave of player feedback. Honestly, it's a high-stakes gambit, but one we're watching closely.
The Old Guard Holds the Line
While Firebreak attempts to find its footing, Remedy's future is anchored by two of the most anticipated projects in gaming. The studio re-confirmed that “The Max Payne 1 & 2 remake project continues its progress and remains in full production.” After building on steady progress in the second quarter, the team is now focused on the foundational gameplay and building out the world. The continued collaboration with Rockstar Games on this project ensures it has the backing and resources to meet sky-high fan expectations.
Meanwhile, the sequel to the studio's critically acclaimed 2019 hit is also moving forward. Remedy stated that “Control 2 development is on track towards meeting its next milestones.” The team is now building out concrete elements like “the gameplay, environments, and missions.” With the Control franchise having now surpassed five million units sold and generated roughly €150 million in revenue, the pressure is on to deliver a sequel that expands on the original's unique blend of psychic weirdness and brutalist architecture. The foundation is solid; now it's a matter of execution.
A Studio at a Crossroads
Remedy's current situation is a microcosm of the industry itself: the allure of a successful live-service game versus the proven power of single-player, narrative-driven experiences. The fate of FBC: Firebreak hinges on the September update and whether it can fundamentally alter the game's trajectory. It’s a tough respawn point to recover from.
For now, fans can take comfort in the fact that the projects defining Remedy's legacy-Max Payne's gritty noir and Control's surreal horror-are not only safe but are progressing steadily. The studio's future may be a balancing act, but its most beloved worlds are still on solid ground.
