Remedy Entertainment's <em>Control Resonant</em> might be a dark horse in the Game of the Year race for 2026, not solely based on its critical reception, but on the developer's perennial underdog status.
Historically, The Game Awards has shown a strong affinity for Remedy's output. The original <em>Control</em> garnered eight nominations in 2019, including Game of the Year, ultimately winning Best Art Direction. More recently, <em>Alan Wake 2</em> secured three wins from its eight nominations in 2023, taking home awards for Game Direction and Narrative. Remedy's signature style—slick, graphically impressive, artistically driven action-adventures developed outside the traditional major publisher system—appears to align well with the award ceremony's preferences.
Despite this track record, <em>Control Resonant</em> faces challenges. While its reviews have been generally positive, with a Metacritic score higher than the first <em>Control</em>, there are notable dissenting opinions, including from Polygon. Some critics have expressed dissatisfaction with the game's perceived shift towards a more mainstream open-world action-RPG design, finding it safer and less distinct than its predecessor or the experimental <em>Alan Wake 2</em>. Competitors like <em>007 First Light</em> might be stronger in its genre category, and <em>Control Resonant</em> is unlikely to be a serious contender against titles like <em>Grand Theft Auto 6</em>. It may not even be a lock for a nomination.
However, the prevailing sentiment surrounding Remedy offers a significant advantage. The studio is widely perceived as talented and innovative, with creative director Sam Lake fostering positive relationships within the press. Crucially, Remedy is often viewed as an underdog, a narrative amplified by recent events.
There is a growing narrative suggesting Remedy is in precarious financial straits, with <em>Control Resonant</em> being essential for its survival. This sentiment has even led to discussions on piracy forums where some users are advocating for purchasing the game to support the studio. While Remedy is not a major financial powerhouse and was impacted by the underperformance of its multiplayer shooter spinoff, <em>FBC: Firebreak</em>, its latest financial reports indicated modest profits. Furthermore, the upcoming remake of the first two <em>Max Payne</em> games, developed in partnership with Rockstar Games, is expected to have a more substantial impact on Remedy's financial future than <em>Control Resonant</em>.
The story of Remedy as a resilient studio risking financial ruin to create original, ambitious games resonates strongly. This perception of struggle, even when contrasted with smaller indie developers who face genuine existential threats, seems to elevate Remedy's efforts in the eyes of many. This underdog narrative likely extends to the Game Awards jury, potentially swaying votes in <em>Control Resonant</em>'s favor and contributing to any nominations it might receive.
