Despite the recent leak and availability of pirated copies of Control Resonant, a segment of the game's audience is advocating for purchasing the title to support developer Remedy Entertainment. The game launched on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S today.
Remedy, known for titles such as Max Payne, Alan Wake, and the original Control, often cultivates a dedicated following due to its distinctive narrative style and high production values. However, the studio has faced financial challenges, with Alan Wake 2 taking over a year to become profitable and support for the multiplayer experiment FBC: Firebreak ceasing within its first year. This has led to a prevailing concern among fans that Control Resonant's commercial performance is crucial for the studio's future.
Discussions across piracy forums and Reddit indicate a movement among some users to break from their usual practices and purchase the game. "One of the very few games I'm going to be buying, Remedy are on the brink of bankruptcy, this is their make or break title, I love their games and gotta do what I can to keep them afloat," stated one fan. Similar sentiments were echoed, with users expressing a desire to support a studio that consistently delivers unique and innovative experiences, believing Remedy "deserve my money."
While not all users agreed, with some citing financial necessities as a reason to pirate, the sentiment to support Remedy was notable. IGN's review of Control Resonant awarded it an 8/10, praising its inventive world and characterization, stating, "Even when combat's sharp edge eventually dulls, Control Resonant is a great addition to the Remedyverse." The review also highlighted that while the story follows a more conventional structure, the game's strength lies in its unique setting and the grounding human elements within its supernatural intrigue.
Earlier in August, Remedy CEO Jean-Charles Gaudechon mentioned that Control Resonant had garnered 1.5 million wishlists across platforms and was among the top three pre-ordered PlayStation games in several key markets. He positioned the game as a "must-have day-one purchase" and a potential cornerstone for the Control franchise, confident in its distinctiveness and quality to stand out in a competitive release window.
Remedy continues to work on the Max Payne 1 & 2 remakes and an unannounced project that has entered "production readiness." The studio intends to self-publish future titles, focusing on expanding its original franchises, Control and Alan Wake, which are linked within the Remedy Connected Universe. The Max Payne series remains a key partnership, though originally created by Remedy.