Remedy says Control 2 will be an “action RPG”, but doesn’t mean it like that

Remedy Entertainment has stated that Control 2 will be an “action RPG”. However, they also define the first game as a “focused action-adventure RPG”. This is essentially a way of saying “Metroidvania” without directly referencing intergalactic bounty hunters and vampire hunters.

The term “action RPG” can often conjure up images of Witchers and Viking assassins, with numbers popping off enemies during combat. While there is a character progression system in Control where you gain abilities and enhance them, the terms “action RPG” have become so broad that they lack meaning.

“Action RPG” is often used as a shorthand when summarizing a game. In a slide presentation, CFO Santtu Kallionpää described Control 2 as being in the “action-adventure role playing genre”.

In a later section discussing main franchises, they are categorized as:

The key point to remember is that Control 2 will be similar to Control. Additionally, Remedy provided updates on their business, game performance, studio ethos, and future plans.

For example, Alan Wake 2 has sold 1.8 million copies, and Control has exceeded 4.5 million copies sold. These games, along with FBC Firebreak, represent three contrasting but complementary genres within the Remedy universe.

Control is essentially a third-person shooter Metroidvania with elements of a focused action-adventure RPG. Alan Wake falls under the survival horror genre, while FBC Firebreak is described as a “session-based co-op shooter”.

Remedy’s self-publishing efforts focus on these three genres, utilizing their in-house Northlight engine as a key strength. The Max Payne remake project, which will be published by Rockstar, was briefly mentioned as a separate endeavor.

It was also revealed that Control will receive a free update in the near future, unlocking previously-released content for all players. Additionally, Control Ultimate Edition will be available for Mac on February 12, 2025.

Source: Remedy