IGN's News and Features Editor, Matt Purslow, recently explored the topic of the Remedy Connected Universe, looking into what it is, what it isn't, and the studio's future plans.
In an interview with Sam Lake (Creative Director at Remedy), he describes simply that the RCU is "a story world that we are building with our games" that includes but exists beyond Alan Wake's story.
In his original reveal letter, posted in August 2020, Sam writes, "for over 10 years, we’ve had a crazy dream. The idea that the tales told in some of our games would be connected to each other, a connected world of stories and events with shared characters and lore. Each game is a stand-alone experience, but each game is also a doorway into a larger universe with exciting opportunities for crossover events. Slowly, patiently, behind the scenes, we’ve been planning and plotting to make this a reality. I’m absolutely thrilled to tell you that now, the time has come to take the first concrete step on this road, establishing Remedy Connected Universe."
In previous Remedy titles, the studio sewn in easter eggs and references into the tapestry of the story, linking their previous work. At the time, it had been considered as "nods and winks and echos", a way of connecting and rewarding long-time fans with hidden in-jokes.
In 2019, the developers decided to make things more concrete, initially connecting the world of Control to the world of Alan Wake through in-game files and references, a relationship that only deepened with the release of the AWE DLC pack, which brought back established characters. While Faden's adventure is the first title exploring the multiverse at the time of its launch, Remedy reached back to Alan Wake, drawing parallels and pulling it into Control's gravity.
There are certain games, due to IP ownership, that aren't considered part of the universe; Max Payne and Quantum Break, although there may be pieces that reference those older works. We've already seen examples with the return of Alex Casey, a fictional-fictional detective based off of Max Payne.
As a result of these threads, Alan Wake 2 will feature more than just passing reference to The Oldest House, with the FBC described as playing "a key role" in the game, "more than an easter egg."
You can read Matt's full article, HERE!
