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Remedy Entertainment scraps multiplayer title for Alan Wake 2

May 07, 2024 10:48 AM

Remedy Entertainment has decided to cancel their in-development multiplayer game, codenamed Kestrel, to focus their efforts on enhancing their existing IP portfolio. Kestrel, a premium cooperative multiplayer game initially initiated as a reboot of an earlier project named Vanguard, was being developed in collaboration with Chinese tech giant Tencent. The game's cancellation allows Remedy to reallocate resources to other development projects and reduce overall recruitment needs.

CEO Tero Virtala states that while Kestrel had potential, its early concept stage did not match the significant progress of other Remedy projects. By disbanding Kestrel, they can now move experienced developers to more promising ventures and provide support functions with additional focus.

Remedy, widely recognized for creating immersive single-player experiences like Alan Wake and Control, faced industry apprehension about launching a premium multiplayer game. Given the number of free multiplayer games recently shut down, skepticism around such a project's viability in the competitive market was high.

With a legacy of single-player hits, Remedy's decision aligns more closely with the tastes of their established fan base. This strategic choice prioritizes the company's strengths, though curiosity about what Kestrel could have been remains among fans and industry watchers alike.

Why has Remedy Entertainment cancelled Codename Kestrel?

Remedy Entertainment cancelled Codename Kestrel to concentrate on developing their existing IPs and to better allocate their resources towards more advanced game projects within their portfolio, which are recently generating significant progress and align with the company's expertise in creating compelling single-player experiences.

Remedy Entertainment is known for its focus on story-driven single-player games. Their most notable titles include the psychological thriller 'Alan Wake,' which received critical acclaim for its narrative, atmosphere, and innovative use of storytelling in a video game. Another major title by Remedy is 'Control,' a supernatural action-adventure game that has been praised for its unique world-building, intriguing story, and engaging gameplay systems. These games have established Remedy's reputation for creating high-quality narrative experiences in the gaming industry.



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Alex Riverton

Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.

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Mr. Bison Mr. Bison commented on: 2024-05-07 11:06:03
Bummer to hear about Kestrel getting canceled, but it makes sense for Remedy to focus on their strengths with story-driven experiences. Excited to see what they'll bring next, especially considering their track record with games like Alan Wake and Control.
N3rdo N3rdo commented on: 2024-05-07 11:00:05
It's not surprising that Remedy Entertainment decided to cancel Codename Kestrel, given their strong track record with single-player games like Alan Wake and Control. It seems like they're smartly focusing on their strengths and proven expertise, which makes sense in today's gaming landscape where multiplayer titles can be risky.
Rolling R!ck Rolling R!ck commented on: 2024-05-07 10:54:03
It's not surprising that Remedy Entertainment decided to cancel Codename Kestrel, given their strength in crafting compelling single-player experiences. Their focus on enhancing existing IPs aligns with their proven track record, and fans can expect more immersive narratives in the future. It's a shame we won't see Kestrel, but Remedy's decision is understandable given their expertise.
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