Highlights

  • Alan Wake 2 marks a shift from action-adventure to survival-horror, and it has been well-received by fans and critics.
  • Remedy Entertainment has the flexibility to change genres for Alan Wake 3 while maintaining the core aspects of the game.
  • The possibility of a detective-based framework for Alan Wake 3 offers a fresh gameplay perspective while keeping the horror element intact.

Alan Wake 2 marked a change in direction for the series, most clearly with Remedy Entertainment's decision to build the sequel from the ground up as a survival-horror experience. It was geared to be a slower and tenser title, focusing on better balancing the pacing of its combat and story. Alan Wake 2's marketing focused heavily on this aspect, as it unapologetically took cues from highly regarded entries in the genre, specifically the modern Resident Evil remakes.

Remedy's instincts seem to have paid off, as Alan Wake 2 has received heaps of praise from fans and critics alike since its release in October. And much of that centers on how well it has transitioned to survival-horror compared to the 2010 original's action-adventure style.

Alan Wake 2 is nominated for Game of The Year at The Game Awards 2023 .

Given the nature of its setup, however, Remedy is not necessarily bound to continue down this trajectory. In fact, it may be wise for the studio to pivot genres yet again to surprise fans and keep things fresh in the ostensible third entry.

RELATED: Why Alan Wake Needs a Trilogy to Make Sense of Its Story

Alan Wake 3 Doesn't Have to Be a Horror Title

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Alan Wake's Genre Conventions

In-universe, Alan is a bestselling author of crime thriller novels. When he attempts to write outside that, he finds himself manipulated by a supernatural entity, the Dark Presence. He realizes it is forcing him to produce a horror novel that, due to its otherworldly influence, starts to come true. Within the confines of the story's structure, though, both Alan and the Dark Presence are bound by certain rules and must conform to conventions. The tale cannot be randomly changed but can be subtly altered with the right amount of finesse to achieve the desired outcome.

Alan is obligated to incorporate established horror tropes in his plan, all the while adjusting elements so that his version of the story where the Dark Presence is eventually defeated is the final one. Alan Wake 2 leaves a lot of questions unanswered; chiefly among them is how Alan can proceed from the spiral he is currently trapped in. Though he and his allies have staved off the Presence for the time being, Alan is still caught in re-writing and editing the perfect manuscript that will finally break the cycle and end the nightmare.

How Remedy Can Shift Its Style Again In Alan Wake 3

Alan Wake 2 proved Remedy could nail survival-horror. Because of the meta-nature of its plot, the series is uniquely positioned to alter its course without significantly disrupting its core foundations. Similar to the switch between the first two games, the next chapter of Alan Wake will almost certainly retain the same general overtones. But it also has a number of opportunities to branch out into a variety of other genres, especially in the area of game design. For Alan Wake 3, Remedy could conceive the tale within​​​​​ a range of avenues, all while maintaining the essential aspects of its identity​​​​​​.

Alan Wake 2's Mind Place mechanic holds at least one intriguing possibility for expanding into new territory. The third title could revolve around a detective-based framework, along the lines of Frogwares' Sherlock Holmes series. A deeper investigative narrative experience into the mysteries of its world would allow Alan Wake to preserve its horror veneer, but approach it from a much different angle.

This would be in keeping with its overall atmosphere while providing a fresh perspective in terms of gameplay. Remedy has many options at its disposal for changing gears and mixing up the formula to deliver a satisfying followup, yet remaining within the scope of Alan Wake's roots and not breaking from its fundamental feel.