Remedy's Connected Universe Is Just Getting Started, Says Creative Director Sam Lake

In an interview with IGN, Sam Lake, Remedy Entertainment's Creative Director, delved into the studio’s ambitious plans for its expanding Connected Universe. Following the successes of Control and Alan Wake 2, Lake made it clear that the studio is merely scratching the surface of its storytelling potential.

Lake emphasized the unique storytelling capabilities of video games as a medium:

“Games are a storytelling medium and, from that perspective, an art form... It’s been a long journey, but I see games as holding all the possibilities of prior art forms, giving them new meaning and context. With this interactive medium, we can create layered worlds that players can experience and explore.”

Reflecting on Alan Wake 2, Lake noted that while the game represents a leap forward in Remedy's approach, there’s much more on the horizon. He revealed that during development, new, exciting ideas emerged but couldn’t be explored within the constraints of Alan Wake 2. These will undoubtedly shape future projects.

“It feels like we’re just getting started,” Lake continued. “I love tying things together, expanding the lore, and offering opportunities to deepen and connect these strands. It’s too early to talk about an ‘endgame’—there’s so much more we want to do.”

One of the studio's main goals is to create games that can stand alone while enriching the overall Connected Universe. Lake envisions a catalog of interconnected titles that invite newcomers to explore past and future entries.

“Every game needs to stand on its own. But for our fans, we’ll include plenty of content to expand the ongoing universe story. We hope this catalog encourages newcomers to dive into previous games and discover the depth of our universe.”

In addition to expanding its gaming universe, Remedy is eyeing new media opportunities. Lake discussed the studio’s partnership with Annapurna, a company known for its expertise in film and TV adaptations. According to him, Annapurna is the “perfect partner” to help translate Remedy’s layered storytelling into these mediums.

While many fans are excited about what’s next for Remedy’s Connected Universe, the studio’s upcoming project, FBC Firebreak, marks a shift in direction. The cooperative multiplayer game is expected to focus less on narrative-heavy experiences, offering a fresh take from the storytelling-driven studio.

Are you excited about Remedy’s evolving universe? Which connected elements or expansions would you like to see in future games? Let us know in the comments below!