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Remedy reports mixed Firebreak performance

Strong console subscription sales partly offset weak PC Steam results; a major September update is planned to boost engagement.

August 12, 2025 at 09:09 AM
blur Remedy "unsatisfied" with FBC: Firebreak sales, as subscription console players exceed those on PC

Remedy reports mixed results for FBC Firebreak with strong console subscription sales and weak PC performance.

Remedy notes FBC Firebreak sales skew toward console subscriptions

Remedy Entertainment says its live service shooter FBC Firebreak had a mixed launch. The half year report shows revenue up 63.5 percent year over year, helped by the game and its updates. The launch drew more than a million players in the first ten days, but most were on Xbox Series X S and PS5 via subscription services. On Steam, Remedy’s intended PC sales channel, results were weaker than hoped.

The company cited onboarding problems and a rough initial mission structure as drivers of early drop-offs and negative reviews. It says sentiment improved as players spent more time in the game and patches were released. Commercially, CEO Tero Virtala says the launch-phase consumer sales were unsatisfactory, with a large share of revenue coming from subscription agreements that will be recognized over the contract period. FBC Firebreak is Remedy’s first self-published title and a spin-off of its flagship single-player series Control.

Remedy notes fan feedback was loud and clear and commits to ongoing improvements. A September update is planned to boost engagement, and the company says it will keep engaging with the community and expanding the game. Separately, Control 2 is on track toward its milestones, and a Max Payne 1 2 remake is in full production. Alan Wake 2 has sold steadily and earned royalties, though Remedy has not disclosed sales figures. A recent review described Firebreak as a bold concept with potential growth over time.

Key Takeaways

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console subscriptions drive most Firebreak revenue
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steam underperformance clouds PC strategy
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onboarding and early feedback caused negative reviews
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September update aimed at boosting engagement
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Remedy bets on ongoing community support and evolution
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long-term revenue relies on subscription contracts
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Control 2 and Max Payne remake keep Remedy’s pipeline alive

"FBC Firebreak was designed as a game that evolves over time"

design intent cited by Remedy leadership

"Commercially, we were unsatisfied with the launch-phase consumer sales"

outcome cited by Remedy on launch

"We are committed to continuing to work on FBC Firebreak, engaging with the community, and expanding the game"

commitment from leadership

"Players who spent over an hour with the game reviewed the game mostly positive"

early user sentiment after time with the game

Remedy’s results shed light on a broader shift in the games industry as studios increasingly rely on subscription deals and live-service models. A strong console presence can hide PC underperformance, but it also exposes the company to platform-specific risks if players on PC do not convert into long-term revenue. Remedy’s strategy to self publish and run ongoing updates shows ambition but raises questions about long-term monetization beyond initial sales.

The patch-driven approach can extend a game’s life, yet it requires sustained developer resources and clear communication with players. Remedy’s plan to recognize subscription revenue over contract terms means the company’s financials may look healthier in the near term even if PC demand remains tepid. The coming September update will be a key test of whether Firebreak can convert early interest into durable engagement, a shift that could redefine Remedy’s balance between new releases and live-service support.

Highlights

  • FBC Firebreak was designed to evolve over time
  • We were unsatisfied with the launch-phase consumer sales
  • We are committed to continuing to work on FBC Firebreak and expanding the game
  • Players who spent over an hour with the game reviewed it mostly positive

Launch and revenue risk from uneven platform performance

The reliance on console subscription revenue for Firebreak raises questions about PC market strategy and investor risk. If Steam performance remains weak, revenue recognition over long-term contracts may mask weaker consumer demand. The patch-driven plan increases dependence on timely updates and community reception, with potential backlash if expectations are not met, especially from PC players.

Time will tell if Remedy can turn initial interest into lasting growth.

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