Control Remedy

Alan Wake 2 developer Remedy has today announced the online multiplayer project it's making with Tencent won't be a free-to-play release anymore. Instead, it'll launch as "a premium game with a strong, cooperative multiplayer component" now known as Kestrel (previously Vanguard). Besides the fact it takes place in the Control universe, little is known about the new multiplayer experience, which shall now revert back to the concept phase at the Finnish studio.

Due to this, a portion of the development team will be moved to help out on other projects at Remedy, which includes the Max Payne 1 + 2 Remake and Control 2. Those who remain on the project will help form its "new direction from the concept stage onwards to create a premium game with a strong cooperative multiplayer component. The new experience will lean more into Remedy’s core strengths and be built on many of the features, assets and themes already designed for Vanguard."

Remedy made the decision to scrap the free-to-play approach because of the market's "rapidly changing" nature and the "risks" associated with it. "After a lot of careful consideration, we believe that taking on a new direction where the game will be built more around Remedy’s core competences is the right way to go," Remedy CEO Tero Virtala explained. "We are creating another distinct Remedy game with Tencent’s continued support in making a great cooperative multiplayer experience."

Besides the two DLC packs in production for Alan Wake 2, it appears the Max Payne 1 + 2 Remake is the furthest along at Remedy, with the project having recently reached the "production readiness stage". Another co-op multiplayer title, Codename Condor, is at the same stage, while Kestrel and Control 2 are earlier on in development. Does Remedy's content pipeline excite you? And are you happy to see the developer is scrapping the free-to-play model for Kestrel? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

[source investors.remedygames.com]