By “I felt extremely fatigued and overwhelmed.”
- by Ben Kerry
Alan Wake 2, which began as an idea years ago and was eventually released in late 2023, took considerable time to develop at the Finnish studio Remedy Entertainment. Ultimately, the anticipation felt justified when the Alan Wake sequel made a significant impact upon its launch – but the production phase weighed heavily on those involved.
In a recent interview with The Game Business, Remedy’s Sam Lake elaborated on the intricate process of producing Alan Wake 2, along with the necessity of taking an extended break after its completion in late 2023.
“I felt extremely fatigued and overwhelmed […] Developing games is a complicated endeavor, and with Alan Wake 2… I truly wanted to be actively engaged. It’s always collaborative work. However, I was writing, directing, and even co-directing the live-action elements. I aimed to contribute to the music, particularly the lyrics. I even acted in it. It was a lot.
Looking back, I wouldn’t alter a thing. I’m genuinely proud of what we accomplished. Yet, I needed a break. I took time off at the conclusion of the project for six months. I’m feeling significantly better now.”
It’s acknowledged that ‘crunch’ remains prevalent in the gaming industry, even with increasing awareness surrounding it. Nonetheless, it’s encouraging to see Sam Lake openly address the personal impact this had on him. It seems that the experienced developer is now fully rejuvenated and prepared for upcoming Remedy ventures – Lake “still possesses a wealth of enthusiasm and concepts” for “numerous games” the team is developing.
Through all this, as dedicated Xbox fans, it was a relief to finally witness Alan Wake 2’s realization. We’ve anticipated its arrival since the original Xbox-exclusive Alan Wake debuted in 2010, and ultimately, the sequel exceeded all our expectations in the Remedy universe.
What are your thoughts on these remarks? Share your views on crunch and Alan Wake 2 below.
Ben serves as a News Writer at Pure Xbox, with a passion for action, racing, and first-person shooters in any Xbox title he can find. When he’s not gripping an Xbox controller like it’s a lifeline, Ben enjoys listening to music that’s a bit out of his era, watching football on TV, and likely indulging in some food.