For years, a particular corner of the video game community has harbored a silent, yet persistent, envy. The “AWE” expansion for Remedy Entertainment’s critically acclaimed supernatural shooter, Control, offered a tantalizing crossover with the unsettling, reality-bending world of Alan Wake. But within that expansion lay a secret, a bonus mission that was, for a significant period, a PlayStation 4 exclusive: The Former.

This “Former” mission, intricately woven into the Control narrative and featuring a certain iconic, trench-coat-clad game director as its central enigma, was a gem that many on other platforms could only experience through eager YouTube playthroughs. Now, however, the tides of exclusivity have shifted. A recent, significant update for Control has unlocked The Former mission, making it available to all players across all platforms.

This is more than just a simple addition of content; it’s a seismic tremor in the often-rigid landscape of platform-exclusive content, a move that has sent ripples of excitement and, perhaps, a touch of melancholy through the industry.

For those unfamiliar, The Former mission saw Jesse Faden, the protagonist of Control, delve into the depths of the Oldest House to investigate a peculiar entity and its connection to the elusive Hideo Kojima. Yes, that Hideo Kojima. The mission, renowned for its signature Remedy blend of mind-bending puzzles, unsettling atmosphere, and deeply psychological storytelling, offered a unique glimpse into a potential shared universe or, at the very least, a wonderfully meta nod to the creator of Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding.

The initial PlayStation exclusivity, a common practice to incentivize console purchases and build platform loyalty, was understandable. However, in an era where cross-play and seamless accessibility are increasingly becoming the industry standard, such lingering exclusives can feel like an anachronism. This latest update from Remedy and publisher 505 Games signals a welcome departure from that trend.

What does this mean for the industry?

Firstly, it’s a testament to the growing importance of player goodwill and long-term engagement. While timed exclusives can generate short-term sales boosts, opening up sought-after content ensures that a wider audience can experience a complete and satisfying narrative. This can lead to stronger word-of-mouth, increased replayability, and a more unified community around the game.

Secondly, it highlights a maturing understanding of DLC and expansion models. Instead of locking away significant portions of the
experience, or forcing players to purchase multiple versions of a game to access all its lore, this move prioritizes delivering a
comprehensive package. It suggests a future where expansions are less about exclusive features and more about enriching the core experience for everyone.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly for fans of Kojima’s enigmatic presence, it democratizes access to a truly unique piece of gaming history. The Former mission wasn’t just a side quest; it was an event, a conversation starter that sparked theories and discussions about the future of narrative in video games. Now, anyone with a copy of Control can join that conversation, dissecting the nuances of Kojima’s cameo and the broader implications for the Control universe.

For PlayStation owners who originally experienced this mission, there might be a slight pang of “I remember when…” But for the vast majority of players who missed out, this update is a cause for unadulterated celebration. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best updates aren’t just about bug fixes and performance enhancements; they’re about inclusivity, about sharing the magic, and about finally letting everyone in on the secrets of the Oldest House, and the legendary Hideo Kojima himself. This is a win for players, a win for Control, and a hopeful sign for the future of how we experience games.