Control Resonant isn’t the first time Remedy has visited Manhattan
Developer Remedy Entertainment continues its tradition of using New York City as a central element in video game design. The upcoming title Control Resonant, scheduled for 2026, will feature Manhattan as a significant setting, with the article noting that NYC can serve as a main character in interactive media just as effectively as in cinema—a comparison drawn to films by Nora Ephron and games like The Division and Marvel’s Spider-Man.
This marks Remedy’s second major exploration of Manhattan. The studio previously developed Max Payne, a noir shooter that debuted 25 years ago in 2001 on Windows PC, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. Max Payne opens in a frozen, atmospheric version of New York City, establishing an immediate sense of dread through imagery of icy streets, police cruisers, and helicopters converging on a downtown skyscraper. The game’s opening sequence effectively conveys the weight and tension central to its narrative.
By contextualizing Control Resonant against Max Payne, the article suggests Remedy has developed a strong understanding of how to leverage urban environments as more than mere backdrops. Instead, the developer uses New York’s architecture, scale, and cultural significance to enhance atmospheric depth and narrative immersion. The comparison implies players can expect Control Resonant to deliver a similarly thoughtful and memorable portrayal of Manhattan when it arrives in 2026.