Why FBC: Firebreak is an interesting bet
, by Quentin
We've known for many months that Remedy Entertainment - the studio behind games like Max Payne, Control and, of course, Alan Wake - has been working on a new experience, quite different from the studio's usual offerings.
Initially codenamed Project Condor, the project began to make headlines in 2023.We got a clearer picture about it in early 2024, with the registration of the trademark FBC: Firebreak.
Remedy Entertainment's connected universe takes on a new dimension
As we already know, Remedy is committed to creating rich, interconnected universes. This is already the case with Alan Wake and Control, both of which are deeply related. So much so that we're now talking about the RCU, for Remedy Connected Universe.
Let's take a concrete example: in Control, the FBC investigates paranormal phenomena, particularly those occurring in Bright Falls, the town where Alan Wake takes place. The AWE DLC reveals that the FBC has been investigating events linked to the writer, thus establishing a clear connection between the two games.
Remedy also sprinkles its games with numerous easter eggs, reinforcing this shared universe.
With FBC: Firebreak, the studio takes new risks
This point is important to understand where the Finnish studio wants to go from here. Because this time, it's clear as a day: FBC: Firebreak fully belongs to the Control universe, right down to its title, which refers to the Federal Bureau of Control, the agency headed by Jesse Faden.
You'll take on the role of an agent from the FBC's special Firebreak unit, working in its extradimensional headquarters. The developers promise intense battles against reality-altering anomalies, as well as supernatural monsters.
Another notable change for Remedy is saying goodbye to a single-player narrative in favor of a cooperative FPS, playable with up to three players. A bold move, since this type of experience requires a very different kind of expertise, but it remains an interesting gamble, as the studio seems determined to tell a story and grow its universe even more.
It's a risk taken by the Finns, who up to now have always been able to surprise with rich worlds and powerful narratives. With FBC: Firebreak, Remedy is playing for big stakes: the ambition is there, but we can't rule out failure - other studios have already fallen by the wayside, despite their talent.
Cooperative gameplay: a more classic approach, but promising nevertheless
Beyond the narrative aspect, the gameplay so far seems fairly classic. You'll have to team up with friends or other players to complete various missions. It's all about working with each other, with the possibility of using different tools and skills. You'll need to put together a well-balanced team, combining offensive and support profiles.
Like any good FPS, there will be several weapons. The devs claim that before each mission, you'll need to select your equipment and customize your crisis kit, which will include specialized tools, grenades, support items and paranormal augmentations. These items can be modified to suit your style of play.
Launching summer 2025
FBC: Firebreak is scheduled for release in the summer of 2025, with no specific date as of yet. The game will be available on PC, Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. And there's a pleasant surprise too: it will be available from day one in Game Pass, as well as in the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers.
This decision that could make it easier to discover this new license and, who knows, convince gamers to sign up for this multiplayer adventure. In the meantime, we can only recommend that you dive (again) in Alan Wake and Control to better grasp the references and stakes of this new experience.
In addition, Remedy Entertainment will be hosting a live event on April 24 at 6 p.m. (London time), during which we should be able to find out more about the game. What are you looking forward to the most about FBC: Firebreak? Tell us in the comments!