Remedy Entertainment Defends Epic Games Deal Behind Alan Wake 2 Launch

• January 24, 2026

Remedy Entertainment has publicly addressed its decision to partner exclusively with Epic Games for the publishing of Alan Wake 2, a highly anticipated psychological horror sequel. The Finnish developer emphasized that without Epic’s financial support, the game might not have reached completion, underscoring the importance of the deal. Alan Wake 2’s absence from Steam stirred debate among fans, but Remedy maintains the alternative prospects were less viable.

Details on the Epic Games Partnership

Alan Wake 2, developed by Remedy Entertainment, bypassed one of the most popular digital distribution platforms for PC gamers—Steam—in favor of an Epic Games Store exclusive release. This move sparked discussions regarding the game’s availability and Remedy’s publishing strategy. Remedy clarified that Epic Games’ investment was a critical factor in the game’s development, providing necessary resources for a project of this scale and ambition.

Remedy positioned the Epic Games partnership as a strategic choice to secure funding and support for Alan Wake 2. The developer indicated that other options for digital publishing had been considered but ultimately were less advantageous for realizing the project’s potential. While Steam remains a dominant platform for PC games, Remedy viewed the Epic Games Store deal as essential to bringing their sequel to market.

While specific financial or contractual details of the partnership were not disclosed, Remedy’s statements highlight the ongoing dynamics between developers and digital storefronts. The deal reflects growing trends in the industry where funding and publishing agreements influence platform exclusivity on PC.

This arrangement exemplifies how publishers like Epic Games leverage financial backing to secure exclusive content for their digital store, which in turn affects game availability and distribution choices for developers. Remedy’s stance underscores the balance studios must navigate between funding needs and distribution reach.

Alan Wake 2’s shift away from Steam marks another chapter in the evolving battle between major digital storefronts competing for exclusive titles. Epic Games Store continues to build its catalog through such partnerships, while Steam remains the predominant platform for many players and developers.

Looking ahead, attention will focus on Alan Wake 2’s release performance and whether Remedy’s collaboration with Epic Games sets a precedent for future projects. The impact of these platform decisions on player access and sales momentum will likely influence similar publishing negotiations across the industry.

Remedy credits Epic Games’ funding for bringing Alan Wake 2 to life, explaining why the game skipped Steam in favor of Epic’s platform.