Firebreak Disappoints, Remedy Admits

Developer Remedy's first self-published title and Control spin-off, FBC: Firebreak, was a "technical success" but commercially "underperformed" on Steam, the studio has acknowledged.

In an investor update, the studio reaffirmed that Firebreak surpassed 1 million players. However, the majority engaged via console subscription services (PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass), despite PC being the "intended primary sales channel."

"The initial onboarding experience and mission structure led to significant early player attrition and a wave of negative reviews," the financial report stated. "As players invested more time and we delivered updates, the sentiment in reviews became more favorable.

"Commercially, we were disappointed with the launch-phase consumer sales of FBC: Firebreak. To date, its commercial performance has been largely sustained by subscription agreements with Xbox and PlayStation. A substantial portion of revenue from these deals will be recognized over the contract period."

Remedy vowed significant adjustments last month. This commitment followed a frank admission soon after Firebreak's release that "not everything went according to plan."

The studio noted that FBC: Firebreak was built to evolve and remains a solid title "despite its turbulent launch." A major update slated for late September represents the next critical phase, which Remedy "anticipates will renew interest." The team remains "dedicated to ongoing development, community engagement, and expanding the game."

In its H1 and Q2 2025 financial results, Remedy reported revenue growth driven by increased game sales and royalties. The quarter again posted a loss—$580,000, an improvement over the previous year's $3.7 million deficit. Revenue for the first six months rose 43.4% to $35.1 million.

Regarding other projects? Control 2's development is "progressing as planned," with current focus on "gameplay, environments, and missions." The Max Payne 1 & 2 remake remains in full production, with "close and productive collaboration with Rockstar Games."

"FBC: Firebreak is a visually striking co-op shooter that lacks the depth for long-term engagement," we noted in IGN's FBC: Firebreak review, scoring it a 6/10.