The Origins of ‘Control’ and its Critical Acclaim

Released in 2019, Control quickly garnered praise for its unique blend of supernatural storytelling, compelling characters, and innovative gameplay. Players assume the role of Jesse Faden, the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Control, tasked with investigating and containing paranormal phenomena within the Oldest House, a constantly shifting and enigmatic building. The game’s success stemmed from its atmospheric world-building, challenging combat, and a narrative that left many questions unanswered, naturally leading to calls for a continuation.

The Lingering Questions and Potential for a Sequel

Control’s ending, while satisfying in some respects, deliberately left several plot threads dangling. The fate of certain characters, the true nature of the Hiss, and the broader implications of the Oldest House’s existence all remain ripe for exploration. Fans have long theorized about the connections between Control and Remedy’s earlier title, Alan Wake, and a sequel presents an opportunity to further intertwine these universes. Could we see Jesse Faden cross paths with Alan Wake? What new threats might emerge from the depths of the Oldest House?

The trademark filing for “Control: Resonant” isn’t the first hint of potential new Control content. Remedy has consistently expressed their desire to return to the franchise, citing its potential for long-term storytelling. The studio has also been actively hiring personnel with experience in areas relevant to sequel development, further bolstering the belief that a continuation is in the works. MP1st first reported on the trademark discovery, quickly followed by confirmations from other gaming news outlets.

What makes this trademark particularly intriguing is the use of the word “Resonant.” This could allude to a new power or ability for Jesse Faden, a new entity within the Oldest House, or even a thematic focus on the echoes of past events. The possibilities are vast, and Remedy is known for its penchant for ambiguity and layered storytelling. Eurogamer highlighted the speculation surrounding the term, noting its potential connection to the game’s existing lore.

The Game Awards, scheduled for December 7th, is a prime venue for major game announcements. With the “Control: Resonant” trademark surfacing now, it seems highly probable that Remedy will use the event to unveil their next project. But will it be a full-fledged sequel, a downloadable content expansion, or something else entirely? IGN suggests a sequel is the most likely outcome, given the scope of the trademark and the studio’s previous statements.

Do you think Remedy will announce a Control sequel at The Game Awards? What aspects of the original game would you like to see expanded upon in a potential follow-up?

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Control: Resonant’