World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Control Resonant Has a Secret Weapon in the GOTY Race
The article argues that Control Resonant could contend for Game of the Year at The Game Awards partly because of Remedy Entertainment’s strong reputation with the jury. Although the game has received generally positive reviews, concerns about weaker mechanics and a safer, more mainstream open-world design may limit its chances; nevertheless, sympathy for Remedy as an independent underdog could influence voters.
Remedy’s previous games performed well at the awards, with Control receiving eight nominations in 2019 and Alan Wake 2 winning three awards from eight nominations in 2023. While the studio was affected by the failure of multiplayer shooter FBC: Firebreak, its latest financial report showed modest profits, and its Max Payne remakes with Rockstar may matter more to its long-term future than Control Resonant.
In short
- Remedy’s awards reputation gives Control Resonant a potential advantage.
- The game’s safer design has attracted criticism.
- Sympathy for Remedy could help secure a nomination.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Control Resonant could contend for Game of the Year because Remedy has built a strong reputation with awards voters, and its earlier games earned substantial recognition. If the game’s positive reviews reflect a compelling overall experience, voters may see its nomination as deserved; the studio’s independent status and recent difficulties could also make its success an appealing underdog story.
The case against
A studio’s past awards and underdog appeal are not substitutes for the current game’s merits, and voters may reasonably prioritise those merits. Reports of weaker mechanics and a safer, more conventional open-world design could limit its case against stronger contenders, while Remedy’s financial position and longer-term prospects may depend more on its other projects.
Explained simply
Control Resonant is a video game developed by Remedy Entertainment, an independent video game studio. The Game Awards is an annual ceremony that recognises outstanding video games, with Game of the Year being the most prestigious award. This article examines whether Control Resonant could contend for this year's Game of the Year prize.
Remedy Entertainment has demonstrated strong performance at The Game Awards and similar ceremonies. The studio's recent title, Alan Wake 2, won three awards from eight nominations in 2023, whilst an earlier game called Control received eight award nominations in 2019. These results show the studio maintains significant standing with the awards voting body.
Control Resonant has received generally positive reviews, though some critics have raised concerns about its gameplay mechanics and design approach. The article suggests that Remedy's established reputation with awards voters could potentially enhance its prospects despite these reservations. The studio has recently faced commercial setbacks, including a failed multiplayer project, but continues to develop new games.