Remedy Disappointed With FBC: Firebreak’s Launch Performance
▼ Summary
– Remedy acknowledges FBC: Firebreak’s underwhelming Steam launch but remains optimistic about post-launch content and player feedback.
– The game reached over one million players across all platforms, including Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, by June 26, 2025.
– Subscription service players tend to engage for shorter periods but are more likely to return compared to purchasers.
– Remedy is prioritizing player feedback and adjusting development plans, including feature prioritization, based on live data.
– The studio is committed to evolving Firebreak post-launch and will announce upcoming content after reviewing feedback.
Remedy Entertainment has expressed mixed feelings about the initial reception of their debut cooperative title, FBC: Firebreak, while remaining confident in its long-term potential. The studio acknowledged that player engagement on Steam fell short of expectations, though they emphasized that subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus have significantly expanded the game’s reach.
Thomas Puha, Remedy’s communications director, addressed concerns about the game’s performance, noting that Steam concurrent player counts don’t tell the full story. “We had higher hopes for the launch, but the team remains energized to refine the experience based on player input,” he said. “Remedy has always taken a creative, hands-on approach to development, and we’re applying that same philosophy here.”
Despite lower-than-anticipated numbers on Steam, Firebreak surpassed one million players across all platforms shortly after launch, thanks in part to its availability on subscription services. Puha pointed out that while these players may not stay as long as those who purchase the game outright, they’re more likely to return when new content drops. “We’re seeing a steady influx of new console players daily,” he added.
Looking ahead, Remedy is prioritizing community-driven updates to keep players engaged. “The advantage of a live-service game is the constant stream of feedback,” Puha explained. “We’re actively listening, adjusting our plans, and focusing on features that resonate most with players.” The studio has already tweaked its development roadmap, reprioritizing certain elements based on early reactions.
Puha stressed that Firebreak is still in its infancy, with plenty of room to grow. “Launch week was just the beginning, now the real work starts,” he said. “We’re committed to evolving the game, and we’re eager to see how it shapes up over the coming months.”
Before release, the studio had already hinted at their unconventional approach to Firebreak’s development, blending Remedy’s signature storytelling with cooperative gameplay. While the launch may not have met all expectations, the team’s dedication suggests a promising future for the title as updates roll out.
(Source: Games Industry)
