Remedy Entertainment has partnered with Tencent on a free to play, co-op PvE shooter with the current code name of Vanguard. The game, which is based on a Remedy original IP, is currently in development for PC and consoles using Unreal Engine. Tencent will also get worldwide development and publishing for a mobile version.
According to Remedy CEO Tero Virtala in the release announcing the deal, “Vanguard marks Remedy’s first entry into Games-as-a-Service business model, executed by our top tier team of free-to-play experts. We are building something new and exciting for co-operative multiplayer space, on top of Remedy’s strengths.” There's no word yet on whether this will be a completely original IP made just for this game project or if Remedy will be using one of its other IPs as a basis for Vanguard. The company has seen success with games like Control (which will get a multiplayer spin-off) and Crossfire, with unannounced projects with Epic Games (also based on Remedy original IP) also in the works.
Right now, the game is in the proof-of-concept phase with the first year of development through the first year of live operation will be co-financed by Remedy and Tencent. Tencent will also pay for localization costs and handle distribution in select Asian markets. According to the press release announcing the deal, both companies will be responsible for their own publishing and operating costs in each of the territories they represent while also splitting a portion of the revenue after all development costs are covered.
We should expect more info on just what these two companies are working on in the coming year, as Remedy is now gearing up for another phase–that of publisher. Tencent, being one of the world’s largest video game companies, is obviously well positioned to be entering this kind of multi-phase shared agreement.
For the announcement, you can visit the Remedy site.
