Alan Wake 2—the first big entry since the announcement of Remedy Connected Universe—is set to release on October 27, 2023, and the excitement for the game is at an all-time high.
It is expected to be a marvel in storytelling and horror elements. Much of that anticipation is thanks to Sam Lake, creative director at Remedy Entertainment.
In our interview with Sam Lake, we discussed Alan Wake 2 and how the main game and DLCs will set the tone for Control 2, the potential relatives of Saga Anderson, and the elements of Alan’s 13 years of struggle in the Dark Place.
Alan Wake 2 is right around the corner, coming across as the much-anticipated sequel to the first Alan Wake that was launched all the way back in 2010. Over the course of this more-than-a-decade-long period, developer Remedy Entertainment has become one of the brightest names in the gaming industry, releasing Control and forging the “Remedyverse” of connected games as we know it.
It’s no surprise, therefore, that Alan Wake 2 is surrounded by extreme hype, considering the caliber of the people behind the project. As such, we took the opportunity to sit down with the game’s director, Sam Lake, and cast a lens on the upcoming survival horror’s standing in the Remedy Connected Universe and some plot points concerning the title’s campaign. Read ahead for the full interview.
Alan Wake 2 – (Credit: The Dark Place Trailer Gamescom ONL 2023)
Alan Wake and Control have been confirmed to be a part of the Remedy Connected Universe. If the day comes when the studio acquires rights to Quantum Break, can we expect it to become part of this shared universe?
Sam: Quantum Break is owned by Microsoft Studios. There have been no discussions about the rights or sequels.
So, 13 years have passed since the first Alan Wake, with him being stuck in the dark place ever since. Other than the few incidents that we know, like the Control Incident that happened in 2019, are there going to be any hints in Alan Wake 2 that reveal more of what happened in these 13 years?
Sam: Alan Wake 2 will definitely contain elements of Alan’s struggle to escape the Dark Place through the 13 years he has been trapped there.
You previously confirmed that Alan Wake 2 will lay the foundation for Control 2. Will it be similar to how the AWE DLC revealed how Alan Wake was involved in creating the Control story? Or can we expect the studio to take a different approach this time?
Sam: Alan Wake 2 is the first big Remedy game since the announcement of Remedy Connected Universe. Both the main game and its DLCs will contain a number of elements that link it to Control’s story. What those elements are will be revealed in the story itself.
Regarding the switch between both protagonists, we know that you can switch only when you are not on an active mission. Can you tell us more details on how this would occur?
Sam: Both the Pacific Northwest setting with Saga and the Dark Place with Alan Wake contain special locations where the player can choose to shift from one reality and character to another. These locations can often be found near where a mission ends, but as the structure of the game world is hub-based, after these locations are found, the player is free to go to them and switch at any time they choose.
Is there a connection between Saga Anderson and the Anderson Brothers? Or is the last name just a coincidence?
Sam: You will have to play the game and experience the story to discover the answer to this question. That said, there are very few, if any, coincidences in this story.
Alan Wake 2 has been in development for 13 years, and the idea you once had in your mind is finally being released. But is the final product exactly as it was envisioned 13 years ago? And if there have been some changes, can you expand a bit on that?
Sam: The sequel contains many characters and locations, as well as a continuation of the supernatural lore established and introduced in the original Alan Wake. That said, 13 years is a long time, with a lot of hard-earned learnings that have made the story and the game much more ambitious along the way. I’m happy that it is this version of Alan Wake 2 that we got to create and not the earlier versions.
Sam Lake In Alan Wake 2 – (Credit: The Dark Place Trailer Gamescom ONL 2023)
Alan Wake 2 looks all set to be one of the most important releases from the side of Remedy. That’s because the title will lay the basis for what’s to come ahead for the Remedy Connected Universe, being the very first iteration following the announcement of the latter. We can expect more official information on the DLCs after the game’s launch.
After enough time passes by, Remedy’s focus will divert to Control’s sequel, especially since Alan Wake 2 and its expansions are going to do the mandatory build-up for it. Perhaps in a few months, I would love to chat again with Sam and ask some questions that could not be answered at this moment.
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Mudassir is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories behind our favorite virtual worlds. Armed with a trusty notepad and a keen curiosity, he dives headfirst into the gaming industry's most exciting personalities. His knack for insightful questions and his ability to connect with developers and gamers alike makes his interviews a must-read. While on the lookout for the next person to interview, Mudassir keeps himself busy by writing news surrounding the gaming universe.
Experience: 4+ Years || Senior Journalist || Education: Bachelor's in Psychology.
