Anssi Hyytiäinen, a distinguished designer with an impressive 25-year history at Remedy Entertainment, is fondly dubbed a “dangerous designer” by his peers. This playful epithet reflects his remarkable ability to transform visionary ideas into reality at a breathtaking pace, a point highlighted by game director Mike Kayatta during a lively conversation at Remedy’s stylish headquarters on the outskirts of Helsinki. Kayatta remarked that Hyytiäinen often brings concepts to life so quickly that he struggles to articulate them as they unfold.
One memorable instance showcased Hyytiäinen’s whimsical creativity when he unexpectedly introduced the notion of a guidance drone, immediately followed by the construction of a giant inflatable duck to assist in navigating the game world. While this spontaneous approach may seem chaotic within traditional game development paradigms, early playtests of FBC: Firebreak reveal the brilliance underneath. Both Kayatta and Hyytiänen express that this daring, creative risk-taking forms the core of the game’s developmental journey, with its launch set for June 17 fast approaching and final gameplay elements beginning to materialize.
FBC: Firebreak invites players to join a quirky trio called Firebreakers as they tackle multi-stage missions in settings plagued by the Hiss—a formidable opponent reminiscent of the eerie beings from Remedy’s Control. The game’s foundation provides insight into its various evolution stages.
The development of FBC: Firebreak signals a significant turning point for Remedy, marking their ambition to evolve into a “multi-project” studio. This shift was largely driven by creative director Mikael Kasurinen’s vision to delve into multiplayer elements within the Control universe. Early prototypes employed the same North Light engine utilized in Control, although much of that foundational work evolved considerably during the creation process. To facilitate this transition, Kayatta joined the team to leverage more advanced multiplayer technologies.
Kayatta elaborates on the project’s vision, emphasizing, “Our goal was to develop an engaging player experience without overshadowing Jesse, the protagonist from Control. Replicating her would diminish what makes her special.” Instead, they sought to create the Firebreakers as relatable everyday heroes, prompting a thoughtful reevaluation of their design philosophy.
This collaborative spirit facilitated the development of a solid framework poised to grow into an intricate fantasy world where gameplay elements seamlessly interconnect. Such systemic harmony is critical to FBC: Firebreak, enhancing the principles of cause and effect that inform player interactions. While the subtleties of these mechanics may not be immediately evident, they form the essential backbone of the gaming experience.
Players will have the opportunity to explore three distinct classes, referred to as Crisis Kits: jump, fix, and splash. Each kit serves as both a weapon and a functional tool tailored for specific objectives. The synergy among these kits is vital for overcoming challenges. In one scenario named Hot Fix, players are tasked with repairing essential systems within the Federal Bureau of Control, racing against deteriorating conditions. The jump kit delivers electrical bursts to both combat and support repairs, while the fix kit provides players a wrench for close-quarter attacks and maintenance tasks.
Through teamwork and strategic utilization of these kits, players can navigate complex interactions and solutions. For example, the splash kit allows players to push back adversaries with water, setting up electrified follow-ups for maximum impact. This multi-layered gameplay encourages collaboration and ingenuity in overcoming obstacles.
Hyytiäinen highlights several innovative design aspects, including ceiling-mounted sprinklers to douse flames and ziplines that assist players in traversing environments while extinguishing fires. He humorously notes that allowing friendly fire adds an amusing dynamic, fostering moments where teammates might accidentally disrupt each other in the heat of battle.
The decision to incorporate friendly fire has sparked lively debates among the development team, with Hyytiäinen commenting, “It’s a polarizing element,” often linked to intense military shooters. However, Firebreak mitigates frustrations related to friendly fire by enabling swift respawn mechanics.
Furthermore, FBC: Firebreak draws inspiration from popular co-op shooters like Helldivers 2, which became a reference point after its release in February 2022. As a relatively new addition to the development team, Hyytiäinen has played a pivotal role in unifying diverse ideas into a cohesive game experience.
The interactions within the game foster a vibrant atmosphere, making the gameplay experience both fresh and engaging. Early missions might evoke nostalgia from classic co-op games—balancing repairs with tactical combat—but complexity escalates as players advance through tougher levels.
As players delve deeper into the Oldest House, they encounter increasingly challenging adversaries and intricate tasks that come with their own set of surprises. The pressure intensifies when players accidentally trigger environmental hazards, underlining the necessity for harmonious teamwork in high-stakes scenarios, ultimately enriching the overall experience.
As the anticipation builds for FBC: Firebreak’s release, a tapestry of innovative ideas and mechanics is coming together to form a thrilling adventure. Reflecting on the development journey, Hyytiäinen wisely notes, “We don’t pretend there aren’t challenges to address; we’re still refining. Yet, the speed at which we can integrate new ideas underscores the adaptability of our system.” With the launch on the horizon, excitement mounts—especially for whimsical elements like those inflatable duck drones.
This article is based on insights shared during a recent press event held at Remedy’s headquarters, which graciously provided travel and accommodations for participants.
