Remedy Names Markus Mäki as Interim CEO Post Virtala Exit

• Markus Mäki becomes interim CEO after Tero Virtala steps down.
• Remedy will prioritize Control 2 and Max Payne remakes following FBC: Firebreak’s underperformance.
• Partnership with Annapurna Pictures may lead to film, TV, and multimedia projects while Remedy keeps full IP ownership.

Remedy Entertainment Plc revealed in a press release on October 22, 2025, that Tero Virtala, the organization's CEO, has stepped down. Marking a major leadership shift, the Board of Directors has now nominated Markus Mäki as interim CEO.

In the press release, Mäki said, “I want to thank Tero Virtala for his substantial contribution to the management of Remedy since 2016. I personally thank Tero for good cooperation and wish him all the best for the future."

Virtala had been CEO since August 2016, steering Remedy through its evolution into a multi-project, self-publishing company. The decision comes after the studio’s self-published multiplayer title, FBC: Firebreak, performed suboptimally in financial terms, which resulted in a profit risk and a non-cash impairment cost.

What Does it Mean for Remedy?

The leadership transition occurs at an important point for the Finnish studio. Remedy is well-known for highly acclaimed games such as Alan Wake 2 (2023) and Control (2019). By the end of 2023, Alan Wake 2 had become the studio's fastest-selling game. In its 2024 annual report, Remedy noted that it owns both brands and intends to self-publish future titles to increase value.

However, the latest release of FBC: Firebreak has weakened confidence. In a note to investors, the organization issued a profit warning stating that it has reduced its long-term sales expectation for the game and has incurred a non-cash impairment of €14.9 million EUR ($17.2 million USD). 

Remedy was looking to depend less on a single game, a strategy spearheaded by Virtala, and to expand by working on multiple projects at once. But now under Mäki's interim leadership, Remedy will currently focus on Control 2 and remakes of the Max Payne series.

Cross-media Initiatives of Remedy

Although Remedy is primarily a games studio, it has far-fetched ambitions. In August 2024, the company announced a partnership with Annapurna Pictures that will lead to the co-financing of Control 2. 

The partnership could also potentially develop film, television, or other AV adaptations of the Control and Alan Wake franchises, where Annapurna can choose to opt for film/TV rights while Remedy retains full IP ownership.

If Remedy's cross-media plan succeeds, the company might move beyond its current sector and seek adaptation rights, merchandising, serialized storytelling, and worldwide multi-platform IP development.