Remedy CEO Tero Virtala resigned effective immediately.
Virtala led the studio for almost ten years (he was appointed in August 2016), but now, after negotiations with the Remedy board of directors, he has agreed to vacate this position.
As detailed in the note to investorsRemedy co-founder Markus Mäki has been named interim CEO. Virtula will remain in the company's employ while the search for a permanent successor continues.
Mäki, who served as chairman of the board, was replaced by board veteran Henri Österlund. He will continue to serve as an ordinary member of the board.
News comes from FBK: Fiery Breakthroughis the first self-published game from the Finnish studio, which is struggling to make an impact just months after launching on PC and consoles.
Despite the game reaching 1 million players within 10 days of its launch on June 17, Remedy said the game has not gained significant traction on Steam. The company hoped that Valve's marketplace would become “the primary channel for consumer sales on PC.”
Early interest was also generated FBC: Firebreak's availability on console subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, but the number of players soon dwindled.
Remedy is currently “revisiting” development plans for FBC: Firebreak
Commenting on the situation in AugustVirtala acknowledged those teething pains, but said Remedy intends to continue to improve and support the title.
“We believe we have a solid game to build on. Players who spent more than an hour in the game rated the game mostly positively, showing us that the core experience of the game is fun,” he added.
However, earlier this month Remedy Issues Profit Warning and confirmed that the co-op shooter is still ineffective. As a result, the company lowered its long-term sales forecast for the game and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of €14.9 million ($17.2 million).
Virtala said Remedy will “balance future investments” in FBK: Fiery Breakthrough continue to expand capabilities in line with the updated sales forecast.”
In a comment sent to Game Developer following the earnings alert, Remedy PR director Thomas Puha said the studio is “reevaluating some of its development plans” but remains committed to releasing the next major update for the game. FBK: Fiery Breakthrough.
This update is scheduled for late November and will unlock the roguelike “Endless Shift” mode. Puha said the company will then flesh out its plans and timeline for 2026.
