Remedy Admits Firebreak Underperformed Commercially

Remedy says FBC Firebreak succeeded technically but underperformed commercially, with most players on console through subscriptions rather than PC.

Remedy Admits Firebreak Underperformed Commercially

Remedy, the studio behind Control, publishes its first self published game and a spin off, FBC Firebreak. The company says the game topped 1 million players, with the majority on console via PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, while PC was planned as the primary sales channel.

The firm says onboarding and mission structure led to high early player drop offs and a wave of negative reviews. As updates arrived, sentiment improved. Commercially, launch phase consumer sales fell short of expectations, and revenue from subscription agreements will be recognized over the contract period. Remedy notes Firebreak will evolve over time and remains a solid game despite a rocky launch. A late September Major Update is slated as the next step to drive renewed interest, and the studio says it remains committed to Firebreak, to engaging with the community, and to expanding the game.

In its half year results Remedy reports a revenue rise of 43.4% to 35.1 million dollars, while the quarter still posted a loss of 580 thousand dollars. The rise comes as game sales and royalties grow, even as the business works through ongoing costs of updates and support. Separately, Remedy confirms Control 2 is on track and the Max Payne 1 & 2 remake remains in production in close collaboration with Rockstar Games.

Remedy’s admission highlights a core tension in modern game publishing: the lure of live-service revenue can mask a misalignment between product release and audience needs. A console-first revenue stream via subscriptions can stabilize near term cash flow, yet it risks sidelining the PC community and long term growth if the core game experience does not retain players. The company’s willingness to continue investing in Firebreak while pursuing high profile remakes and a sequel shows a dual strategy: nurture a live service while diversifying evergreen franchises. The challenge will be turning a rocky launch into a durable, profitable live product that satisfies investors and players alike.

Highlights

The road ahead will test Remedy's balance between bold live-service ambitions and steady, transparent reporting.