When we talk about high-profile live-service failures, Remedy Entertainment’s FBC: Firebreak is often left out of the conversation. That’s because the co-op shooter never really gained a lot of traction, despite the the post-Alan Wake 2 hype it was graced with before launch. Less than a year after its launch, the developers are saying goodbye… but there is good news, too.
17th March’s blog post detailed the last major update coming to the game: Open House. It’s inspired by locations taken straight from Control and focuses on improving the Endless Shift game mode. “We won’t be adding new playable content after this update,” the post stated. It doesn’t end there, as those still curious about the game or looking to convince close friends to join the fight have been listened to.
First of all, Remedy is underlining the game will remain “playable for years to come” despite the end of substantial support. Secondly, a Friend’s Pass similar to the one used by other co-op games has been implemented. “Anyone who has bought FBC: Firebreak can invite their friends to play with them, for free.” Those joining for free will need to download a new Free Trial version of the game and be invited into a group by folks who bought it, but it does sound like a neat way to keep the game somewhat alive, at least.
Moreover, the price tags of both the base game and its deluxe edition are being lowered to $19.99 / €19.99 / £16.74 and $29.99 / €29.99 / £26.74 respectively. “On Steam, the game is also 20% off until the end of March,” making an even bigger cut to the new regular price. It’s commendable stuff, even if the game largely didn’t resonate with players and reviewers.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has played, supported, and shared feedback on FBC: Firebreak. As Remedy’s first online multiplayer game and our first self-published title, it has been quite the journey for the studio and a valuable learning experience for the teams involved,” the post added.
As a reminder, FBC: Firebreak’s flop hurt Remedy Entertainment last year so bad that CEO Tero Virtala had to step down. Last month, former EA executive Jean-Charles Gaudechon took on the role. Up next from Remedy, we have the reality-bending Control Resonant, a sequel that seems to be trying to deliver the unexpected from the veteran studio.
