Remedy Entertainment has issued a profit warning for 2025, citing the underperformance of its multiplayer shooter, FBC: Firebreak. Despite a significant overhaul aimed at boosting player engagement and sales, the game has failed to meet expectations, leading to a substantial financial setback. On October 10, the company announced a non-cash impairment of €14.9 million, covering most of the development costs and associated publishing and distribution rights.
The impairment, equivalent to $17.2 million, does not affect Remedy’s cash reserves but highlights the game’s inability to achieve internal targets following post-launch improvements. FBC: Firebreak was launched on June 17, 2025, across PC and consoles. Although it initially attracted 1 million players within ten days, its commercial success was largely driven by Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus subscriptions, rather than direct sales, particularly on platforms like Steam.
Launch and Initial Reception
Upon its release, FBC: Firebreak recorded a peak concurrent player count of 1,992 on Steam. However, this number quickly dwindled to below 100 within a month. In response to player feedback, Remedy implemented several updates, encapsulated in the major update Breakpoint on September 29, 2025. These updates aimed to enhance core gameplay, resulting in a temporary increase in player numbers, which soon reverted to double digits.
Currently, the game maintains an average player count of around 100, indicating that Remedy’s efforts to revitalize the game have not yielded the desired outcomes. This situation has prompted the company to revise its financial outlook for 2025, projecting a year-on-year revenue increase but anticipating a negative operating profit compared to the previous year.
Financial Implications and Future Prospects
The profit warning precedes Remedy’s upcoming quarterly financial report, scheduled for October 29, 2025. Remedy CEO Tero Virtala commented on the situation, stating, “While we balance future investments to the title, we continue developing and improving the game in line with our updated long-term sales forecast.”
This announcement reflects broader industry challenges, where the success of multiplayer games often hinges on sustained player engagement and direct sales. The reliance on subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, while initially beneficial, may not provide long-term financial stability.
Industry Expert Opinions
Industry analysts suggest that Remedy’s predicament is not unique. According to gaming analyst Sarah Thompson, “The market for multiplayer shooters is highly competitive. Titles need to offer unique experiences or robust post-launch support to maintain player interest. Remedy’s strategy to overhaul the game post-launch was a necessary step, but it seems the changes were not enough to capture a lasting audience.”
“The market for multiplayer shooters is highly competitive. Titles need to offer unique experiences or robust post-launch support to maintain player interest.” — Sarah Thompson, Gaming Analyst
Meanwhile, comparisons are being drawn with other games that faced similar challenges. Titles like Anthem and Marvel’s Avengers experienced comparable difficulties in maintaining player bases after initial launches, leading to significant financial adjustments for their developers.
Looking Ahead
As Remedy navigates these turbulent waters, the company is likely to focus on refining its development strategies and exploring new ways to engage players. The experience with FBC: Firebreak may serve as a learning opportunity for future projects, emphasizing the importance of pre-launch testing and community engagement.
For now, the gaming community and investors will be watching closely as Remedy releases its next financial report. The company’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in determining its future trajectory in the competitive gaming industry.
