
Shortly after Remedy's big Alan Wake 2 blowout during Wednesday's PlayStation Showcase, we learnt that the upcoming spooky sequel was going to be a digital-only release on all platforms - including Xbox Series X|S. However, publisher THQ Nordic has seemingly thrown its hat into the ring for creating some kind of physical release.
Reacting to Remedy's news on Twitter, the publishing label directly asked the Finnish developer if it was interested in working together on a physical release for Alan Wake 2. Here's how THQ Nordic framed its proposition:
"I mean... we did the disc version of Alan Wake for PC back in the day ICYMI [...] And just because ONE person (or company) does not love physical, there is plenty who still do. Give it some thought. We'd love to go at it again! Full circle and all."
We didn't actually realise that THQ worked with Remedy on the PC release of Alan Wake, but in that case, this does seem like a decent fit! Of course, there could be lots of complications here with Epic Games funding the game, but still, THQ Nordic certainly seems very interested in helping out if possible.
For now, Remedy is squarely focused on getting the digital version of Alan Wake 2 ready to go for its October 17th Xbox launch. Let's wait and see if Remedy and/or Epic respond to this proposal!
Would you go for a physical version of Alan Wake 2 if THQ Nordic made it happen? Let us know!
[source twitter.com]
Comments 19
I know this is about publishing but I'm really really surprised that nobody has outright bought Remedy.
Hopefully something comes of this as then I can rent it. But if its digital only then I'm waiting for a sale.
@BRT15
Does Sony have the budget? Not saying. I want them to but Remedy’s style of game fits with Sony’s focus on prestige narratives in a way.
@BRT15 They have to be open to a sale. Many studios like their independence despite all the pressures that brings. Moon Studios (Ori) and Asobo (MS Flight Sim & A Plague Tale) are two others that have apparently rejected approaches.
@themightyant yeah for sure but over the last few years to seem to have gotten into some dodgy publishing deals. For example with Control and 505 games and now with Epic.
Personally and not because I'm commenting on an Xbox site, they would fit well with Xbox Game Studios, seeing how hands off they are with their studios. Especially creatively. In reality I'm sure it's more complicated than that but from the outside looking in, it's quite strange cause they put out real quality games.
@Deemo37 Um no lol. Remedy has worked with Microsoft before, not to mention they developed Quantum Break for Xbox. It would make far more sense for MS to acquire them.
@BRT15 They seem to be very interested in their art. I think a potential deal breaker would be being locked to one platform. Perhaps a deal like Mojang or Bungie that let them keep control of where they publish would tempt them. AAA development is so risky!
@BRT15 Maybe Remedy want to 'remain' independent and not sell their 'soul' to a Publisher who would likely keep their ideas, their IP's etc for themselves. Remedy can use their 'Independence' to negotiate with whoever they want to 'Publish' their games, whichever offers them the 'best' deal allowing them to keep their IP's
Not every studio wants to 'sell out' to a big Publisher, lose 'control' over their Studio...
Isnt the new THQ only THQ in name only? Because I dare bet it was the defunct THQ that published Alan Wake for PC back in the day.
Either way, Epic is the one that does not want a physical copy. They don’t want rentals or re-sales.
@BRT15 I’m sure there have been offers. I know someone that leads a small indie dev house, and acquisition offers are a constant, nearly every time there are publishing deal meetings.
The dev needs to want to sell, though. It’s not like anyone can force you to sell.
@BRT15 I can see them joining Xbox one day. Fits the whole "we've always been close" mantra xbox have to studio acquisitions.
@UndyingInsurgent95
That’s a fair point I guess. It does feel like Sony is starting looking for more acquisitions though and despite Remedy’s previous relationship it could still be possible.
My initial thought on Alan Wake II being digital only was that I hoped that Limited Run stepped in to do a physical edition.
@BRT15 I thought the Epic deal was a bit shady as well but now that we've actually seen Alan Wake 2 it seems to have gone okay.
Hope the same rings true for Fumito Ueda's game.
I'm not really all that bothered about digital-only. I would have liked to have a disc version, but it is what it is. Not going to shell out more money for physical extras.
@NorthwestEagle I have been gaming for over 45yrs now and seen MANY studio's bought up, many closed down too, but there is ALWAYS new Studios being formed too.
So many studio's are set-up by 'talented' developers that 'used' to work for big Publisher 'owned' Studios too that leave, build a new Studio, get bought up by a big company, leave and start a 'new' company.
Glenn Schofield was VP at Crystal Dynamics, before joining Visceral Games (making Dead Space) which he left, created Sledgehammer, which was bought by Activision. He then left and created Striking Distance who created the Callisto Protocol.
Point is, ALL those Studios still exist today and 'new' Studio's are being started all the time. Codemasters started as a 'small' independent Studio making 'budget' games, now are owned by EA but whilst they may not make 'budget' games anymore, thousands of other 'small' studio's are open today and could be tomorrow's 'Codemasters', owned by a big Publisher now making AAA games, grown from a small team to a 'big' Studio.
Some of the biggest Publishers from the 80's basically don't exist today but there are a LOT more Studios today - so all those Studio's bought up over the years hasn't 'reduced' the number of smaller companies, smaller Studios, smaller games etc - indies have grown in the last decade as game development tools make it 'easier' for even a single person can make and publish 'great' games, compete against the 'giants' and be successful without needing to 'sell' to big companies...
Hope Remedy accepts
yes I prefer physical over digital.
@BRT15 Remedy on Xbox Game Studios hands would give me hope for a Quantum Break sequel. That's all I want.
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