Summary
Though they’ve technically been around for decades, the concept of a connected or shared universe has grown to newfound levels of popularity over the last decade or so, thanks in no small part to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When it comes tosuperhero movies, it’s now no longer considered epic enough if the story simply revolves around one hero. Instead, fans expect to see cameos, references, and some kind of post-credits teaser that continues to build on an overarching franchise plot. And while this trend has primarily been relegated to the world of movies and TV, some video games have tried to hop on board, with the most high-profile being theRemedy Connected Universe.
Though it was teased via some in-game documents in 2019’sControl, theRemedy Connected Universewas first officially confirmed with the release ofControl’s AWE DLC, which sees player-character Jesse Faden dive head-first into the paranatural world ofAlan Wake. And with the release ofAlan Wake 2towards the end of last year, the Remedy Connected Universe was fully cemented. But while the Remedy Connected Universe is off to a great start, there’s a possibility it could be biting off more than it can chew.
The Remedy Connected Universe Is Spinning a Lot of Plates Right Now
Alan Wake 2 DLC Is Set to Continue Building Out The Remedy Connected Universe
When it comes to forging and maintaining a successful connected universe, moderation is key. Thoughthe Marvel Cinematic Universemaintained a tight grip on the entertainment industry for over a decade, it’s currently experiencing a bit of a fall from grace. Releasing multiple streaming shows and big-budget movies within the same year, the MCU has gotten rather bloated of late, and the sheer amount of content, paired with a decline in quality, has resulted in many fans giving up on the franchise. Though it seems unlikely right now, the Remedy Connected Universe could be in danger of repeating the same mistake in the near future.
AfterControl’s AWE DLCset the stage for a connected universe nicely,Alan Wake 2embraced it fully, delivering the perfect amount of fan service. WhileAlan Wake 2was home to a number of cameos from across the Remedy Connected Universe, they all felt fairly natural in the context of the game, with it making complete sense that the Federal Bureau of Control would be investigating Bright Falls and the surrounding area. ButAlan Wake 2isn’t stopping there.
There are currently two major story DLCs planned forAlan Wake 2, both of which will likely continue to build out the Remedy Connected Universe, potentially in two different directions. WhileAlan Wake 2’s Lake House DLCwill heavily involve the FBC and continue its wider story in the universe, the Night Springs DLC could focus on Mr. Door, a character who’s likely to become a linchpin of the Remedy Connected Universe. While these DLCs will probably offer another great continuation of the universe while still telling their own story, just like the base game, there’s a possibility that the Remedy Connected Universe could be moving just a tad too fast.
Control 2 Is Already in Development
On top ofAlan Wake 2’s upcoming DLCs, Remedy is also currently working on a sequel toControl, which will likely build upon the shared universe even more so thanAlan Wake 2. While the sequel is still in the very early stages of development, it already has quite a lot of pressure on its shoulders, no longer being just a sequel to Remedy’s 2019 surprise hit, but the next major installment in the Remedy Connected Universe, and fans are going to be expecting even bigger and better connections in the sequel. Though Remedy is an incredibly talented studio, jugglingControl 2’s story and its connections to the Remedy Connected Universe might prove to be a rather difficult task.
Alan Wake 2
WHERE TO PLAY
A string of ritualistic murders threatens Bright Falls, a small-town community surrounded by Pacific Northwest wilderness. Saga Anderson, an accomplished FBI agent with a reputation for solving impossible cases arrives to investigate the murders. Anderson’s case spirals into a nightmare when she discovers pages of a horror story that starts to come true around her.Alan Wake, a lost writer trapped in a nightmare beyond our world, writes a dark story in an attempt to shape the reality around him and escape his prison. With a dark horror hunting him, Wake is trying to retain his sanity and beat the devil at his own game.Anderson and Wake are two heroes on two desperate journeys in two separate realities, connected at heart in ways neither of them can understand: reflecting each other, echoing each other, and affecting the worlds around them.Fueled by the horror story, supernatural darkness invades Bright Falls, corrupting the locals and threatening the loved ones of both Anderson and Wake. Light is their weapon—and their safe haven — against the darkness they face. Trapped in a sinister horror story where there are only victims and monsters, can they break out to be the heroes they need to be?
