Remedy Entertainment is taking a bold step with its upcoming game, Resonant, the sequel to the 2019 hit Control. Known for its third-person shooter format, Remedy is now pivoting to a radically different action style, raising questions about the frequency and success of such genre shifts in gaming.
Notable Genre Shifts in Gaming
Historically, several game sequels have undergone significant genre transformations. For instance, Fallout 3 marked a departure from its predecessors' isometric, turn-based format to a first- and third-person action RPG under Bethesda's direction. Despite initial fan resistance, this change proved successful.
Similarly, Helldivers 2 transitioned from a twin-stick shooter to a third-person shooter, while Police Quest evolved from point-and-click adventures to first-person shooters. These shifts often reflect technological advancements and changing player preferences.
Impact of Genre Changes
Some of the most dramatic genre pivots include Duke Nukem's evolution from a 2D platformer to an FPS with Duke Nukem 3D, and the Yakuza series' transformation into an open-world turn-based RPG with Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Such changes can redefine a series' identity and broaden its audience.
Other examples include Syndicate's 2012 reboot as a singleplayer FPS, Half-Life: Alyx's VR-only platform shift, and Red Dead Redemption's reinvention of its series into a serious open-world Western. These transformations often bring both challenges and opportunities for developers and players alike.
Resonant's genre shift is a strategic move by Remedy Entertainment, reflecting a broader trend in the gaming industry where sequels are not just continuations but reinventions that can redefine player experience and expectations.
