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Is Control Connected to Other Games? Unraveling Remedy’s Shared Universe

Yes, absolutely! Control is intricately connected to other games, most notably Alan Wake, within what developer Remedy Entertainment refers to as the Remedy Connected Universe (RCU). This interconnectedness isn’t just superficial easter eggs; it’s a deep, lore-driven connection that enriches the narrative experience of both titles, and now Alan Wake 2. This article will delve into the specific connections, explain how they manifest, and answer frequently asked questions about the RCU to give you a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating shared universe.

The Core Connection: Control and Alan Wake

The primary and most significant connection lies between Control and Alan Wake. The AWE expansion (Altered World Event) for Control is a direct crossover event. In it, Jesse Faden, the protagonist of Control, investigates an AWE in the Investigations Sector of the Oldest House (the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Control – FBC) linked to Bright Falls, Washington – the iconic setting of Alan Wake.

This expansion explores the aftermath of the events in Alan Wake and Alan Wake’s American Nightmare, specifically dealing with the lingering effects of the Dark Presence and the influence of Alan Wake’s writing. The AWE expansion not only serves as a bridge between the two games but also foreshadows events that play out in Alan Wake 2. Players gain valuable insight into Alan Wake’s ongoing struggles and the role of the FBC in containing paranormal threats.

Elements of the Remedy Connected Universe

Beyond the direct crossover, the Remedy Connected Universe is built upon shared themes, concepts, and organizations:

The Federal Bureau of Control (FBC): The FBC is a clandestine government agency tasked with investigating and containing Altered World Events (AWEs) and Objects of Power (OOPs). Control focuses on Jesse Faden’s journey as the Director of the FBC. The FBC also plays a significant role in Alan Wake 2, indicating the far-reaching influence of the agency.
Altered World Events (AWEs): These are paranormal events that defy conventional explanation and often involve the manipulation of reality. Both Control and Alan Wake feature AWEs as central plot devices.
Objects of Power (OOPs): Ordinary objects imbued with supernatural powers, often linked to the Astral Plane. They are a core mechanic in Control, and while not as explicitly presented in Alan Wake, the Typewriter and Flashlight have strong parallels.
The Astral Plane: A dimension beyond our reality, a source of immense power and the origin of many supernatural phenomena encountered in the RCU. OOPs are considered connections to the Astral Plane.
Paranormal Themes: Both games heavily explore themes of the paranormal, the nature of reality, and the power of narrative. These shared thematic elements contribute to the cohesiveness of the RCU.

The Status of Other Remedy Games

While Alan Wake and Control are central to the RCU, the status of other Remedy Entertainment games is important to consider:

Alan Wake, Alan Wake’s American Nightmare, Alan Wake 2 and Control: Officially part of the Remedy Connected Universe.
Quantum Break: Contains numerous references to Remedy Connected Universe entries, and is also seemingly referenced in Control. However, the Quantum Break IP is owned by Microsoft rather than Remedy, so whether or not these references are indicative of a deeper connection cannot be officially confirmed.
Max Payne, Death Rally: Officially confirmed not to be part of the Remedy Connected Universe.

Is it Necessary to Play One Game Before the Other?

While experiencing both games enriches the overall narrative, it’s not strictly necessary to play one before the other. Here’s a breakdown:

Alan Wake Before Control: Understanding the events of Alan Wake provides context for the AWE expansion in Control.
Control Before Alan Wake 2: Playing Control will provide a better understanding of the Federal Bureau of Control’s operations and personnel featured in Alan Wake 2, but it’s not essential to the experience.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. However, for those invested in the lore and interconnected storytelling of the Remedy Connected Universe, playing both games will undoubtedly enhance your appreciation of the overall narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Control a sequel game?

No, Control is not a direct sequel to any existing Remedy game, but Control 2 is in development. Control is a standalone title that explores new characters, settings, and gameplay mechanics within the Remedy Connected Universe. Its narrative and lore are deeply connected to Alan Wake, however, it is not a sequel in the traditional sense.

What game is Control connected to?

Control is primarily and most explicitly connected to Alan Wake. The AWE expansion is a direct crossover event, and numerous allusions and references throughout Control solidify their shared continuity within the Remedy Connected Universe.

Are Alan Wake and Control in the same universe?

Yes, Alan Wake, Alan Wake’s American Nightmare, Control, and Alan Wake 2 are all officially part of the same shared universe, known as the Remedy Connected Universe.

Do you need to play Alan Wake before Control?

No, you don’t need to play Alan Wake before Control. However, playing Alan Wake will provide context and a richer understanding of the AWE expansion in Control, which directly deals with events from the Alan Wake storyline. Remedy recommends it for players interested in the lore and Connected Universe but states it’s unnecessary.

Do you have to play Control to understand Alan Wake 2?

No, it is not essential to play Control to play Alan Wake 2. Players who’ve played Control may get a better understanding of Alan Wake 2’s Federal Bureau of Control, but it’s not essential to play Control to play Alan Wake 2.

Is Control connected to Quantum Break?

Quantum Break contains references to Remedy Connected Universe entries, and is also seemingly referenced in Control. However, the Quantum Break IP is owned by Microsoft rather than Remedy, so whether or not these references are indicative of a deeper connection cannot be officially confirmed.

Does Control tie into Alan Wake?

Yes, Control directly ties into Alan Wake, most notably through the AWE expansion. This expansion explores events connected to Bright Falls, the setting of Alan Wake, and features characters and concepts from the Alan Wake universe.

Is Quantum Break connected to Alan Wake and Control?

Does Control have any DLC?

Yes, Control has two DLC expansions included in the Ultimate Edition: “The Foundation” and “AWE“. “The Foundation” delves into the origins of the Oldest House, while “AWE” serves as the crossover event with Alan Wake.

How is Alan Wake in Control?

Alan Wake is not directly present in Control in a physical sense, but his influence is felt throughout the game, particularly in the AWE expansion. The events of Alan Wake have a direct impact on the state of the Oldest House and the investigations undertaken by the FBC. His writing and the Dark Presence are key elements explored in the AWE expansion.

Is Max Payne connected to Control?

No, Max Payne is not officially part of the Remedy Connected Universe.

Did Alan create the Hiss?

The only thing Alan Wake confirmed created was the Hiss chant, that’s it. How he knew about everything to write a story around it is unexplained so far, but there’s obvious signs he’s also being manipulated too.

Is Jesse from Control in Quantum Break?

Jesse is portrayed by actress Courtney Hope, known for her role as the character Beth Wilder in Remedy Entertainment’s previous title, Quantum Break.

Should I play Alan Wake after Control?

It’s also not essential to play Control or Control’s two DLCs before playing Alan Wake 2. Remedy recommends it for players interested in the lore and Connected Universe but states it’s unnecessary.

Is Alan Wake’s typewriter an Object of Power?

Many fans speculate the Typewriter from Alan Wake is an Object of Power. Objects of Power are usable items that allow user to connect with Astral Plane and use its powers.

Games Learning Society

Understanding the complex narratives and interconnected worlds of games like Control and Alan Wake is an area of ongoing study. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is a community dedicated to exploring the intersection of games, learning, and society.

By understanding the connections between Control and Alan Wake, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich storytelling and worldbuilding that Remedy Entertainment is known for. The shared universe is a testament to the studio’s commitment to crafting immersive and engaging narratives that reward attentive players.

Is Control connected to other games?