Control 2 Set to Be an Action RPG, Original Reaches 4.5 Million Sales Milestone

The Control franchise is poised to reach new heights as Remedy Entertainment prepares to expand the universe with not one but two major projects: Control 2 and the co-op spinoff FBC: Firebreak. The developer confirmed during its recent Capital Markets Day that Control 2 will diverge from its predecessor’s Metroidvania roots and embrace the action RPG genre. Meanwhile, the original Control continues to thrive, surpassing 4.5 million units sold and accumulating 19 million lifetime players across platforms.

Let’s dive into everything we know about Control 2, its genre shift, and the exciting future for Remedy’s acclaimed series.

Control 2: A New Direction

Remedy shocked fans by confirming that Control 2 will transition into an action RPG. While details remain scarce, the shift promises to build upon the systems introduced in the original game while embracing deeper progression mechanics.

What Could “Action RPG” Mean for Control 2?

The genre shift could expand on the following features from the first game:

• Deeper Progression Systems: Expect more robust skill trees, perks, and character customization, possibly tied to levelling systems.
• Enhanced Gear Mechanics: The original’s Weapon and Personal Mods may evolve into full loot systems, featuring gear with unique stats and effects.
• Mission Variety: Side quests could deliver impactful rewards, encouraging exploration and experimentation.

While Remedy hasn’t confirmed specifics, fans are eager to see how the sequel balances its signature supernatural gameplay with RPG depth.

Control’s Ongoing Success

The original Control remains a standout title for Remedy. The developer revealed that the game has sold over 4.5 million units worldwide, up from 4 million earlier this year. Even more impressively, Control has surpassed 19 million lifetime players, thanks to its availability on platforms like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus.

In 2024, Remedy plans to release a free update for Control, unlocking “previously released content” and further extending the game’s lifespan.

Expanding the Control Universe

Control 2 isn’t the only project Remedy has in the works. The studio is also developing FBC: Firebreak, a co-op multiplayer spinoff set years after the events of the first game.

What We Know About FBC: Firebreak:

• Standalone Story: Set in the Control universe, Firebreak offers a fresh narrative unrelated to Jesse Faden’s adventures.
• Co-op Gameplay: Players will team up to tackle supernatural threats, leveraging teamwork and abilities unique to the Control universe.
• Mid-Priced Launch: Scheduled for release in 2024, Firebreak will be a more accessible entry point for new players.

These projects highlight Remedy’s commitment to expanding Control into a fully-fledged franchise.

Ties to Alan Wake 2

Fans received a tantalizing tease for Control 2 in the recent Alan Wake 2: The Lake House DLC. Remedy has woven these universes together, and the tease hints at deeper connections between Jesse Faden’s Bureau of Control and Alan Wake’s dark, narrative-driven world.

What’s Next?

Control 2 is currently in the production readiness stage and is set to enter full production in 2025. While the game doesn’t yet have a release date, it’s confirmed for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, with Remedy self-publishing the title alongside co-financing from Annapurna Interactive.

With FBC: Firebreak launching in 2024 and Control 2 on the horizon, Remedy is positioning itself as a powerhouse in narrative-driven, genre-defying games.