Why Remedy’s Underdog Status Could Boost Control Resonant at The Game Awards

Polygon argues that Control Resonant could be a strong Game of the Year contender at The Game Awards because voters have consistently favored Remedy Entertainment. The first Control earned eight nominations and won Best Art Direction, while Alan Wake 2 won three awards including Game Direction and Narrative. Although Resonant has drawn some criticism and faces tough competition, Remedy's underdog reputation may work in its favor.

Remedy is a Finnish studio whose polished, visually strong action-adventures with artistic ambition sit near The Game Awards’ preferences, and it works outside major publisher structures. In 2019, the original Control earned eight nominations and won Best Art Direction despite an 82 Metacritic score. Alan Wake 2 later got eight nods in 2023 and won three, including Game Direction and Narrative.

Control Resonant has reviewed somewhat better than the first Control by Metacritic, yet some critics, including Polygon, and even positive reviews question its open-world action-RPG direction. It faces rivals such as 007 First Light and cannot realistically challenge Grand Theft Auto 6. Remedy’s underdog narrative, including concern after FBC: Firebreak and support-the-studio talk, may still help.