About a year after Remedy Entertainment wowed the gaming world with Alan Wake 2, the studio has unveiled its next project, FBC: Firebreak. This upcoming title, set to be released on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, marks a significant shift for the Finnish developer. It’s Remedy’s first foray into the FPS genre—excluding the single-player campaign for CrossfireX—and their debut multiplayer and self-published game. While developers known for single-player experiences often face challenges when branching out into multiplayer, Remedy seems to have captured the essence of what makes its games engaging in FBC: Firebreak.
FBC: Firebreak invites players into a new adventure within the Remedy Connected Universe, home to titles like Alan Wake and Control. This game is a co-op FPS for three players, where teamwork is crucial as they explore the mysterious Oldest House and battle unique, supernatural foes, including a comical yet threatening swarm of sticky notes. All these enemies are under the influence of the Hiss, the malevolent force from Control. While there’s no specific release date yet, the game is tentatively set for summer 2025—a potentially strategic choice.
The timing of FBC: Firebreak’s release could be fortuitous. While 2025 promises to be a blockbuster year for gaming, with eagerly awaited titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, Borderlands 4, and a new Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, the summer months appear relatively calm in terms of major launches. This gap could give Firebreak a chance to shine without competing directly against other AAA juggernauts.
However, one unpredictable element could be the Nintendo Switch 2, which might launch around the same time with some major titles. Yet, since FBC: Firebreak is not slated for a Switch release and belongs to a distinct genre from most Nintendo offerings, it might not face direct competition.
Adding to its potential success, FBC: Firebreak will be available on day one through PS Plus Extra/Premium and Xbox Game Pass. This accessibility could significantly broaden its audience right at launch, ensuring engaged player communities on both platforms. As long as Remedy avoids a problematic release or any significant delays, this strategy could help the game stand confidently among 2025’s big players, without being overshadowed by them.
