Footage released of canned Alan Wake 2 prototype
Remedy recalls sequel plans, and beyond.
Quantum Break developer Remedy has released footage of an early prototype for Alan Wake 2.
But the sequel is not currently in production - the video dates back to 2010, shortly after the original Alan Wake game launched.
Now, in a new interview with Polygon, creative director Sam Lake has discussed the studio's previous plans for Alan Wake 2, and beyond.
"For Alan Wake, from the get-go, we assumed there was going to be a sequel and we mapped things further out when it came to character, story, details and focus changes," Lake explained. "We knew we would have to iterate and refine, but there was always a rough road map there.
"Definitely what we have mapped out is a longer thing than the first game and a sequel; there is more to it. In many ways, we see the universe as a bigger thing. Alan Wake is a very central character, but we have other characters around him like [friend and agent Barry Wheeler] and his wife Alice and Sheriff Sarah Breaker and other characters there."
A Twin Peaks and Steven King-inspired shooter soaked in atmosphere and (deliberately?) stuffy writing, Alan Wake ended up shifting 4.5m copies on Xbox 360 and PC.
The sequel prototype shown below was one of several built by Remedy, although this version was the most polished.
Its desert setting and enemies will be familiar to series fans - both were recycled for use in standalone spin-off Alan Wake's American Nightmare, when it became clear that a full Alan Wake 2 was not on the cards.
When shown the prototype, Microsoft passed on the project in favour of Remedy's current undertaking: part-game part-live action series Quantum Break.
"They have been really supportive about Alan Wake and [Xbox boss] Phil Spencer has been awesomely supportive when it comes to Remedy and Alan Wake along the way," Lake concluded.
"[But] we showed it to Microsoft and I guess at the time Microsoft was looking for something slightly different for their portfolio."
