Remedy Entertainment’s first venture into the multiplayer shooter genre, FBC: Firebreak, is off to a rocky start—especially on PC. Despite being tied to the acclaimed Control universe and launching on major subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, the game is seeing disappointing engagement numbers on Steam.
PC Player Numbers Fall Flat
According to SteamDB, FBC: Firebreak has only managed a peak of 1,992 concurrent players since its June 17, 2025 release. The numbers are even more alarming in the short term, with just 245 users playing in the past 24 hours—less than Remedy’s older single-player titles like Control and even Max Payne 3, which debuted over a decade ago.
These statistics suggest that Firebreak is struggling to gain traction among PC gamers despite the pedigree of its developer and the marketing push behind its launch.
Mixed Reviews Reflect Deeper Issues
Currently holding a “Mixed” rating on Steam, FBC: Firebreak has received lukewarm feedback from players and critics alike. While some praise the visuals and core shooting mechanics, many users are frustrated by:
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A near-total lack of tutorials
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Sparse content at launch, with players finishing everything in just a day or two
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Poor matchmaking, with some reporting they can’t find any active matches
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No meaningful progression systems or engagement loops beyond core gameplay
For a $40 game—even one without aggressive live service elements like daily check-ins or battle passes—these shortcomings are proving hard to overlook.
A High-Stakes Experiment for Remedy
Announced in 2021 and more fully revealed in late 2024, FBC: Firebreak was positioned as a bold new step for Remedy. As the studio’s first multiplayer shooter, it attempts to blend storytelling from the Control universe with fast-paced, cooperative combat. However, early signs indicate the gamble may not be paying off—at least not on PC.
While console player stats have not yet been shared, the lack of cross-play and the evident matchmaking woes on PC are major concerns that may also be impacting console communities.
Can Firebreak Recover?
It’s not all over yet for FBC: Firebreak. Remedy has a history of turning things around post-launch, and with updates, added content, and better onboarding, the game could still carve out a niche. But unless PC player counts rise soon, the game risks losing momentum entirely—and becoming one of 2025’s most forgettable launches.