Remedy Entertainment’s supernatural action game (August 2019) combined SCP Foundation-style bureaucratic horror, brutalist architecture, and telekinetic combat. Players became Jesse Faden, new Director of the Federal Bureau of Control investigating the paranormal Oldest House.
Artistic Vision
The shifting Brutalist megastructure felt alive—rooms rearranged, Objects of Power (possessed items) required containment, Hiss corruption spread. Visual design mixed 1960s Cold War aesthetics with brutalism, creating oppressive beauty. Ashtray Maze sequence became instant classic.
Gameplay Evolution
Jesse’s Service Weapon morphed between gun forms (pistol, shotgun, sniper). Telekinesis hurled concrete chunks at enemies. Levitation, dash, shield abilities unlocked. Late-game power fantasy rivaled superhero games while maintaining horror tension.
Critical & Commercial Success
Won Best Art Direction at 2019 Game Awards. Foundation and AWE expansions connected to Alan Wake universe (same studio). Sold 2M+ copies by 2020. Ray tracing showcase on PC/next-gen consoles. Ultimate Edition launched with PS5/Series X.
Key hashtags: #ControlGame #RemedyEntertainment #PS4 #AlanWake
Sources:
- The Game Awards 2019 (Best Art Direction winner)
- Remedy Entertainment investor reports (2M+ sales 2020)
- Digital Foundry ray tracing analysis (June 2020)