MAX PAYNE 1, 2 REMAKE SHARES DEVELOPMENT BUDGET WITH ALAN WAKE 2

Remedy Entertainment, the acclaimed studio behind titles such as Control and the Alan Wake series, has revealed that its upcoming Max Payne 1 and 2 Remake project shares a similar development budget with the successful Alan Wake 2. The remake of the classic Max Payne games is under development in collaboration with Rockstar Games, who are fully financing the endeavor. Both titles will be reimagined using Remedy's proprietary Northlight game engine, renowned for powering their previous hits.

Although specific budget figures for the Max Payne remakes were not disclosed, Finnish analysts have estimated Alan Wake 2's budget at around €70 million, with a substantial portion allocated to marketing. Alan Wake 2 has already proven profitable, crossing the one million units sold marker by the end of 2023, reclaiming a significant portion of the investment from Epic Games Publishing. CEO Tero Virtala expressed optimism for extended sales, similar to the longtail success of Control.

Virtala updated the progress on the Max Payne 1 and 2 Remake, noting considerable advancements made by the development team and the potential of the project due to its substantial budget akin to that of Alan Wake 2. Additionally, the studio is progressing with other projects, including Control 2 and a cooperative spin-off titled Condor. All these projects are set to advance to their next development stages in the first half of 2024, though release dates are currently unconfirmed. Challenges surfaced with Codename Vanguard, a free-to-play game rebranded as Codename Kestrel, which after a concept overhaul, didn't meet expectations and was returned to its concept stage, resulting in a financial write-off for the studio.

Despite the setback with Codename Kestrel, Virtala reaffirms the studio's direction, emphasizing the growth and expansion of their own franchises, Control and Alan Wake, both part of Remedy's Shared Universe. The partnership with Rockstar on the Max Payne franchise marks a continued interest in reviving and enriching classic game series that still captivate audiences.

The Max Payne 1 and 2 Remake by Remedy Entertainment is being developed using the Northlight game engine, which is also the underlying technology for their previous games, Control and Alan Wake 2.

The original Max Payne game was released in 2001 and quickly became known for its innovative use of bullet time in video games, as well as a dark, gritty narrative inspired by film noir. Its sequel, Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne, continued this tradition in 2003. Both games were acclaimed for their storytelling and unique third-person shooter mechanics. Max Payne 3, although developed by Rockstar Games without Remedy's direct involvement, followed in 2012, concluding the trilogy. This forthcoming remake by Remedy aims to introduce these classic games to a new generation with modern graphics and gameplay enhancements while maintaining their original atmosphere and story.