Remedy Entertainment, the developer of the critically acclaimed action-adventure game Control, has announced that it has acquired the full rights to the franchise from its publisher 505 Games. The deal, which is worth approximately EUR 17 million, gives Remedy the complete ownership and creative freedom over Control, its upcoming sequel Control 2, its multiplayer spin-off codename Condor, and any future products related to the series.
A Win-Win Situation for Both Parties
According to a press release from Remedy, the transaction was mutually agreed upon by both parties, and it will benefit both Remedy and 505 Games in the long run. Remedy stated that the Control franchise is in the core of its business, and that having the full rights to it will allow the studio to make the best decisions for the franchise’s growth and success. Remedy also thanked 505 Games for their collaboration and support throughout the development and publishing of Control.
505 Games, on the other hand, expressed their pride and satisfaction with the partnership with Remedy, and praised Control as one of the best games they have ever published. 505 Games also stated that they will continue to support Control until the end of 2024, as per the original publishing agreement. After that, 505 Games will have no future royalty or other rights to Control or any of its related products.
Control: A Breakthrough Hit for Remedy
Control was released in 2019 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, and later for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. The game follows Jesse Faden, the new director of the Federal Bureau of Control, a secret agency that deals with supernatural phenomena. Jesse has to explore the mysterious Oldest House, the headquarters of the FBC, and use her telekinetic powers to fight against a hostile force called the Hiss.
Control received rave reviews from critics and players alike, who praised its story, gameplay, graphics, and atmosphere. The game won several awards, including Game Informer’s 2019 Game of the Year, and sold over 2 million copies worldwide. Control also spawned two expansion packs, The Foundation and AWE, the latter of which featured a crossover with Remedy’s previous game Alan Wake.
What’s Next for the Control Franchise?
Remedy has already confirmed that it is working on a sequel to Control, tentatively titled Control 2, as well as a multiplayer spin-off, codenamed Condor, which will feature a co-op mode for up to four players. Both games are being developed using Remedy’s proprietary Northlight engine, and will expand the lore and gameplay of the Control universe.
Remedy has also stated that it is looking for a new publishing partner for Control 2 and Condor, as well as for its other projects, such as Alan Wake 2 and a free-to-play live service game. Remedy said that it will evaluate and negotiate with potential partners over the coming months, and that it is confident that it will find the best fit for the Control franchise and its fans.
