# Remedy Entertainment Reveals First Glimpse of *FBC: Firebreak*, Their Debut Multiplayer Game

Renowned studio Remedy Entertainment, famous for critically lauded titles such as *Control* and *Alan Wake*, has officially presented a comprehensive “Community First Look” at their forthcoming multiplayer game, *FBC: Firebreak*. The reveal, which occurred during the latest [Xbox Partner Preview](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/xbox-partner-preview-fall-2024/), has sparked considerable excitement, as *Firebreak* represents Remedy’s initial venture into the multiplayer gaming arena. The announcement offered fans essential insights into the game’s environment, gameplay dynamics, and development journey, shedding light on how the studio is evolving from its single-player heritage into a cooperative multiplayer format.

## An Unexpected Announcement

The unveiling of *FBC: Firebreak* caught many off guard, particularly in light of prior reports from May indicating that Remedy’s multiplayer endeavor, previously referred to as “Condor,” had been scrapped. Nevertheless, the *Firebreak* proclamation put those speculations to rest, affirming that the game is very much alive and currently in development. Fans have expressed intrigue over Remedy’s shift towards multiplayer gaming, especially since the studio has built its reputation on rich, narrative-driven single-player experiences.

## Setting: The Universe of *Control* Expands

*FBC: Firebreak* unfolds within the same universe as Remedy’s 2019 success *Control*, which introduced players to the enigmatic Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) and its headquarters, The Oldest House. In *Control*, players assumed the role of Jesse Faden, the new Director of the FBC, as she confronted supernatural beings, mainly The Hiss, an interdimensional force that invaded the Bureau.

In *Firebreak*, players will once again confront The Hiss, but this time, they will be part of a specialized unit assembled to tackle the persistent supernatural menace. The game is set a few years after the events of *Control*, yet it stands alone, meaning players won’t need prior experience with *Control* to comprehend the narrative. However, fans of the original title will surely enjoy the recognizable environment and lore.

The game’s title, *Firebreak*, is inspired by actual firefighting terminology. Game director Mike Kayatta elaborates, “That name *Firebreak* actually originates from real-life firefights. It’s a tangible concept of something that separates the threat from what needs safeguarding. That’s your mission, to stand between the outbreak and what requires protection — in this instance, the bureau itself.”

## Gameplay: A Cooperative First-Person Shooter

Diverging from Remedy’s earlier titles, which have mostly been single-player experiences, *FBC: Firebreak* is a cooperative multiplayer game intended for three players. It adopts a first-person shooter format, a shift away from the third-person perspective utilized in *Control*. Players will come together to repel waves of The Hiss, employing a range of weapons and abilities to defend the Bureau from the supernatural invasion.

The collaborative aspect of the game marks a considerable change for Remedy, but it’s an idea the studio has contemplated for quite some time. Kayatta mentions, “For a long period, we’ve been seeking a way to merge our strengths in crafting engaging worlds with our action-oriented combat gameplay into a multiplayer experience.”

The gameplay footage presented during the “Community First Look” video showcases the swift, action-packed combat that Remedy is known for, but now with a newfound emphasis on teamwork and coordination. Players will need to collaborate to withstand the onslaught of The Hiss, leveraging their distinct abilities to aid one another and combat the supernatural danger.

## Development: A Fresh Challenge for Remedy

*FBC: Firebreak* signifies a notable shift for Remedy, a studio that has established its reputation on creating compelling, single-player narratives. Titles like *Max Payne*, *Alan Wake*, and *Control* have all received acclaim for their storytelling, world-building, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Transitioning to a multiplayer format is a daring move for the studio, yet one that they appear eager to undertake.

Kayatta highlights that the objective of *Firebreak* is to give players an opportunity to experience one of Remedy’s worlds alongside their friends. “We aim to provide players the chance to journey into a Remedy world together,” he states. Accordingly, *Firebreak* has always been envisioned as a first-person title, with the setting of The Oldest House being reimagined to fit a multiplayer structure.

Though *Firebreak* is Remedy’s inaugural multiplayer game, the studio is well-acquainted with innovation. Over the years, they have consistently pushed the limits of game design, whether through the bullet-time mechanics of *Max Payne* or the reality-bending environments of *