Remedy Entertainment has issued an update on one of its four in-development games, confirming it has ditched the free-to-play model in the process.
Codename Vanguard was set to be a free-to-play co-op game, but it’s now described as “a premium game with a strong cooperative multiplayer component”. This “reboot” has resulted in a new codename: Kestrel.
Remedy signed a publishing deal with Tencent back in December 2021 to develop Vanguard but both companies have now agreed to the change in direction.
“Due to uncertainties in creating a successful game to the rapidly changing free-to-play market and associated risks, the parties have discussed a new direction for the game project, which will be given the new codename, Kestrel,” Remedy explained.
The reboot comes as the project reached the end of its proof-of-concept phase and after a re-evaluation from Remedy and Tencent. As a result, it will return to a concept phase. Part of the former Vanguard development team will move to work on Remedy’s other projects, while the core leadership and select members of the Kestrel development team will focus on the project’s new direction from the concept stage onwards. Remedy did not announce any associated layoffs.
Kestrel “will lean more into Remedy’s core strengths and be built on many of the features, assets and themes already designed for Vanguard,” the developer said.
“We have made some great strides in free-to-play and multiplayer development in Vanguard,” said Tero Virtala, CEO of Remedy. “After a lot of careful consideration, we believe that taking on a new direction where the game will be built more around Remedy’s core competences is the right way to go. We are creating another distinct Remedy game with Tencent’s continued support in making a great cooperative multiplayer experience.”
Alongside Kestrel, Remedy is working on Max Payne 1 and 2 remakes, Control 2, and Condor, a four-player co-op spin-off of Control to be co-published with 505 Games. Virtala had said all four projects, none of which have release windows, would benefit from staff moving on from Alan Wake 2. As for the hit survival horror sequel, Virtala said “it is too early to draw conclusions on the game’s commercial success.”
“It is clear, however, that fans and critics have appreciated it, giving the game a strong basis for good long-term sales,” he added.
In our 9/10 review, IGN said: “Alan Wake 2 is a superb survival horror sequel that makes the cult-classic original seem like little more than a rough first draft by comparison.”
Players can also check out IGN’s Alan Wake 2 Guide and essential tips and tricks to get the most out of playing the long-awaited survival horror sequel.
Meanwhile, work on Alan Wake 2 continues with updates, new modes, and two expansions due out in 2024.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
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