Does Control Reference Alan Wake?
In a shocking twist, it has been revealed that the 2019 game Control, developed by Remedy Entertainment, is directly connected to the 2010 game Alan Wake. For those who may not be familiar, Alan Wake is a psychological horror game that follows the story of Alan Wake, a bestselling novelist who suffers from writer’s block and becomes trapped in a nightmarish world. Control, on the other hand, is a third-person shooter that follows the story of Jesse Faden, the director of the Federal Bureau of Control, an organization that researches and contains supernatural phenomena.
The Connection Revealed
The connection between the two games was first discovered through in-game documents and audio logs in Control. Players soon realized that the mysterious "Dark Presence" that haunts Alan Wake is eerily similar to the "Hiss" entity that is the main antagonist in Control. Furthermore, the story of Alan Wake’s American Nightmare, a sequel to the original game, is directly referenced in Control.
A Shared Universe
In an interview with IGN, Remedy Entertainment’s Creative Director, Sam Lake, confirmed that Control and Alan Wake share the same universe. Lake explained that the connection between the two games is not just a coincidence, but rather a deliberate choice to explore the deeper themes and connections between the two stories. Lake stated, "The connection between Control and Alan Wake is not just about the story, but also about the themes and the tone of the games."
Common Themes and Tone
One of the most striking similarities between Control and Alan Wake is the theme of existential dread. Both games explore the idea of characters trapped in a never-ending cycle of repetition, with Alan Wake stuck in a supernatural world and Jesse Faden struggling to contain the Hiss entity. The tone of the games is also similar, with both Control and Alan Wake featuring atmospheric sound design and unsettling visuals that create a sense of unease and tension.
Subtle References
In addition to the direct connections, there are also subtle references to Alan Wake throughout Control. For example, the game’s protagonist, Jesse Faden, is shown to be reading a book titled "The Sudden Stop," which is a clear nod to the events of Alan Wake’s American Nightmare. Similarly, the game’s soundtrack features music that is reminiscent of the haunting melodies found in Alan Wake.
A New Era for Remedy Entertainment
The connection between Control and Alan Wake marks a new era for Remedy Entertainment, as the studio continues to explore the depths of the human psyche through its games. With the success of Control and the upcoming release of Alan Wake 2, it will be interesting to see how Remedy continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and atmosphere in its games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the connection between Control and Alan Wake is a deliberate choice made by Remedy Entertainment to explore the deeper themes and connections between the two stories. The shared universe between the two games is a testament to the studio’s commitment to creating immersive and thought-provoking games that resonate with players. Whether you’re a fan of psychological horror or action-packed shooters, Control and Alan Wake are must-play games that offer a unique and unsettling gaming experience.