Alan Wake 2 had been in the works for a long time. The first instalment enjoyed immense popularity much later after its release. It was natural to expect Alan Wake 2 to build on it. Remedy’s announcement of the game at the Game Awards in 2021 sparked excitement from fans.
Remedy’s creative director, Sam Lake, also announced that the game would be a survival-horror game as opposed to the previous game, which was an action game with horror elements. The encouragement provided to Sam Lake after Control’s success in 2019 was massive.
Perhaps it meant that people were finally realising the depth of Remedy and its vision for its games. Regardless, Alan Wake 2 released some fantastic reviews from reviewers, with some reviewers even going so far as to call the game a survival horror masterpiece.
As per an interview with GQ, Lake talked about his journey in the gameverse. From becoming the face of Max Payne in the first game to being more than involved in unforgettable games. Lake shared some interesting facts and his initial plans for his career. He also revealed about his path ahead.
Alan Wake 2’s Sam Lake’s Initial Career Trajectory and Remedy’s Masterclass With Video Game Production
Talking to GQ, Lake shared that this was not even remotely deliberate. Sam Lake revealed that his original plan was to write books. Anyone familiar with Remedy’s works knows that the Finnish studio may not enjoy the funding AAA games receive. But their games are known for being detailed, immersive and cinematic.
Alan Wake’s 2s Remedy Studios operate at an independent level—akin to Polish developers CD Projekt Red. Remedy’s previous game, Control, was nominated for several game awards. It was also IGN’s Game Of The Year for the year 2019.
It is worth noting that Remedy’s games have inspired other Indie studios to make games which adopt similar style schemes. El Paso, elsewhere, Xalavier Nelson Jr praised the studio for its innovation. Nelson Jr. said:
Remedy works in the same genre and makes each expression of ideas feel new…It’s the magic of video game development.
Before Alan Wake 2’s release, the previous title in the series was released seven long years after Max Payne 2. While the first game, Alan Wake, did not enjoy the financial success it should have due to competition, it did receive favourable reviews.
Reminiscing about the time when it was still in development, Sam Lake remembered:
It was the curse of the second album, too much success, too fast.
Apart from looking gorgeous thanks to the infused blend of technologies like Ray-Tracing, Alan Wake 2 also tells a story which is mind-boggling for how eccentric it is.
How Remedy’s Latest Game Tells a Breathtaking Story and Sam Lake’s Plans After Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake followed the story of a fictional writer who has enjoyed much success writing for content typically enjoyed by the masses. He then decides to write something more profound and much more meaningful. The same Lake explains:
He kills off his character. His cash cow…And then suddenly, he can’t write.
Thirteen years after the first, Remedy released the long-awaited Alan Wake 2. As per reviews and general sentiment around the game, it is most certainly Remedy’s most idiosyncratic production.
Apart from the plot, the game follows Remedy’s recipe of mixing in-game and live-action visuals. This makes for a particularly gorgeous visual as one experiences the game.
The game sees some notable stars appearing, with Lake playing a character. The blend of live action with rendered footage also doesn’t cost as much capital.
On his plans, Same Lake shares some fantastic details:
Would I ever do anything else? Yeah. I’m still thinking that I will. There will be a time when I retire. It’s just that… this has all been so engaging.
Speaking of some other ideas he wanted to pursue, he continued:
One was this crazy, huge budget, dark gothic fantasy, which I haven’t used for anything yet…
Alan Wake 2 by Remedy, featuring the one and only Sam Lake, is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
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