You can’t deny FBC: Firebreak is ambitious, even if it is a game no one was necessarily clamoring for. The latter part of this is now evident, as Remedy has given deeper insight into FBC: Firebreak’s underwhelming launch and plans for the IP.
FBC: Firebreak was Remedy’s first new release since the Game of the Year-contending Alan Wake 2. Firebreak is set in Control’s (another Remedy IP) world and is a team-based FPS. This is quite a bold shift from the company’s other games. We’ve seen from gameplay and matches that the game has potential, but its launch has failed to land.
FBC: Firebreak Receiving Major Update in September
It’s quite damning to hear that the FBC: Firebreak “launch underperformed.” This is the official word from Remedy’s Jan-Jun 2025 financial report.
“On Steam, which was planned as the primary consumer sales channel on PC, the launch underperformed. The game’s initial onboarding experience and mission structure resulted in high early player drop-offs and an influx of negative reviews.”
The company was happy that “The launch succeeded technically, reaching over 1 million players in its first 10 days,” but goes on to say: “Commercially, we were unsatisfied with the launch-phase consumer sales of FBC: Firebreak.”
The majority of the shooter’s revenue has come from Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus-subscribing users. Firebreak was free on both services at launch.
Nevertheless, despite the adversity, Remedy believes FBC: Firebreak is a “solid game” the team can build on: “Looking ahead, a larger ‘Major Update’ late September will be the next key step for FBC: Firebreak. This will be supported by targeted marketing activities, which we expect to drive interest in the title. We are committed to continuing to work on FBC: Firebreak, engaging with the community, and expanding the game.”
Do you think Firebreak can bounce back? With so many live-service games out there, it’s tough to stand out. Let me know if you think it can by heading to the Insider Gaming forum.
There’s more Remedy news to check out, including Rockstar Games working with Remedy Entertainment on the Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake and a new report on Control 2’s development.
