Control Explained - What is The Oldest House?

[@Ali_mm523]

Maybe it’s not just the house that changes. When Jesse picks the service weapon for the first time, the board refers to it as “sword” too, and as everyone knows “gun” hasn’t always been a thing. And as we found in Sankarian tango, every time there is a new hero with a new face. By the way awesome video as always!

[@asdfghjkl92213]

It was also called Excaliber (the gun/weapon)

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I absolutely agree! This entire idea of Symbols changing with the times applies to every Altered Item and Object of Power too.

[@Voltaic_Fire]

@@GamingUniversityUoG It makes you wonder what the service weapon might be in another 50 years or even just in the hands of another. To a normal desk jockey sat in an office in Nebraska it might very well appear as one of those pens with different colour inks or a keyboard since it's the point of the tool to help you better perform your service whatever it might be.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Service Weapon that appears as a lightsaber...I'm down for it.

[@platypus6810]

In the Service Weapon case file it was also theorised to be Mjolnir which again ties into the Norse stuff

[@andrewk9267]

I love how you're still dissecting this game and its lore, and making videos about it. Thanks for providing my Control fix

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Trust me there is so much material waiting to be looked at in this game. It is ridiculous how dense the lore is.

[@keatonsmith5783]

The oceanview motel could also represent the Nexus between the 9 realms. While I know there aren't exactly 9 doors i still think its an interesting comparison

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I really hope we get more information on the Oceanview. It definitely acts as a in between place where one can walk between Thresholds/Realms. But It also allows Jesse to go to a part of her psyche to meet Polaris Jesse. It reminds me of a place in Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. A girl named Door can go to a room filled with doors and each one opens to a new place in the world and the room can be accessed from any door.

[@vicenteisaaclopezvaldez2450]

Well, in norse myth 9 was used to refer to "many/countless/maximum", like, OSP made a video about how the 9 realms thing isn't really accurate.

[@miracon000fez]

like the bifrost?

[@yellowbat79]

If it does come to it, I'm really interested to see how Remedy will tackle Ragnarok.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'm curious to see if they do it like in Max Payne with a personal apocalypse or if they will do a universal one.

[@FxUznilo]

The end of time from quantum break seems like it wouldn't been a good candidate

[@jrodriguez9608]

@Yellow Bat I am really interested as well, one could only imagine... Jesse opening another motel door and finding/Teaming up with Kratos vs Oden and the Hiss! ...I want it so bad! Argh, if only they could somehow make that fit perfectly into the great little shared universe they're creating at remedy

[@BadTeacherUA]

All Remedy titles have been heading there for quite a time...

[@Honest-King]

Finally the giant elephent in the room is being discussed

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Lol the elephant was tired of being ignored. I was actually working in something else that put me on this train of thought and figured it was time.

[@robertmatthias]

The giant elephant that IS the room. Haha.

[@Fragmentsinfractals488]

"You made up that elephant." That Elephant was never Real" Nothing is Real......

[@BadTeacherUA]

@@robertmatthias Ahahahah

[@pintavodki]

So glad you mentioned House of Leaves. I remember reading Sam Lake's Twitter some time after Alan Wake came out, and he mentioned that House of Leaves is a huge inspiration for him. I read it after that. So when I played Control I was like "yep, that's House of Leaves right here", haha. I also really love that you don't shy away from terms like ontology and archetype. Some channels would omit them thinking the viewers would find them too hard to understand. But this deep analysis is what I love about you. Keep up the good work!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'm still working on House of Leaves on my end. Only a few sections left. Really good so far. But yeah I didn't realize exactly how much of Control and Alan Wake was in it until recently. It is crazy. And yeah I don't think I'll ever stop using those terms. Personally, I feel the more we use them in every day conversation the more we can get others to incorporate it into their lexicon too. Some ideas are worth injecting into the public consciousness.

[@machinepanic]

One of the chapters in Alan Wake actually ends with the song Haunted by Poe. Poe's brother is Mark Z Danielewski, and the whole album is made as a counterpart to House of leaves. Just a funky little tidbit!

[@madeofmars]

Wow, I never thought of the house LITERALLY being Yggdrasil, and the board possibly being Nidhogg or at least something trapped in the roots.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

There is too many hints to ignore the similarities to be honest. It would be crazy if confirmed to be true.

[@coldbacon4869]

Control has captivated like no other story has in a really long time. I’m a serious lore junkie and these videos are great for that. Thanks for making these

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

You got it! I love that Remedy created a world that we could get completely lost in.

[@blazlock7285]

Now that I recall, Cauldron lake was one of Numerous lakes that line up, to connect into several worlds, yet the one shadow realm, the Darkplace Alam Wake was trapped in, has a beast attempting escape, it may not be the dragon, but an entity that may trigger Ragnarok. What we ARE Missing for Ragnarok to occur is a 'Baldur' to be slain. And the only things and persons who seems to not 'Feel' pain in the Remedy-verse are: Alan Wake - Who's very existance is at the end of the story because 'realities' are made as long as he makes his stories, both his escape and his shadowy hound attempting eacape The Hist, whom do not feel pain, as pain is irrelevant to them, being a sound entity that wishes to take control. The house itself, being aware and regardless of the 'damage' continue to function and even accommodate any new world, entity or idea as long as they are present within it. Or Jesse herself, whose source of pain has finally been laid to rest, the projector and her long lost brother.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It is really hard to say what the triggering moment would be. In Max Payne it was blatant they were telling a Ragnarok story. His partner, Alex Baldur, is murdered starting a 3 day story in the middle of a snowstorm. Fimbulvetr being 3 years of winter. But for Control, I think they will be a lot of subtle with how they handle it.

[@blazlock7285]

@@GamingUniversityUoG They will make it subtle, considering that Cauldron Lake is active yet again and the hint he can finally get out... may bring his Shadow. For all we know it may as well be Fenrir who was in Cauldron Lake attempting to escape and to eat the sun, so to speak.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That's an interesting thought. Oh if you're interested in the Lake comparison, go back to the Fra Mauro Theory video around 1 minute mark. Since Yggdrasil has 3 lakes, the map that shows up in the AWE trailer shows 3 lakes in Bright Falls in the false map when there really is only one. Weird coincidence.

[@blazlock7285]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Don't worry, seen it and it is interesting.

[@Marck250491]

WOOOW!! Thinking of how long since the last Control video you made... and here it is! HAA!! I love synchronicity.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Glad I could deliver! Yeah I'm trying to branch out into other games but I love coming back to Remedy and my roots.

[@Marck250491]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Excited for new explanations from other games!

[@barneymiller7894]

"All things serve the tower." "Ya whatever dude, just help the janitor regulate some shit so we don't all die horribly."

[@AnonymousOtters]

Further evidence of the Oldest House being a tree is at the end of the Janitor's vision quest. On the central pillar of the basements foundation next to the "Foundation" control point is inscribed the picture of a tree with its roots reaching down like columns, just like those in the basement.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Yep. That is the root of what got me thinking about this idea. And the markings in the foundation where the locks were.

[@_altoarcadevere]

I lowkey wanna see Remedy made a setting loosely based on the realms at norse. Or atleast a modernized of those.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That would be really cool. Honestly, I'm looking at the thresholds we see in the game, Clocks, Mold, Quarry, etc and trying to see if they line up thematically. Unfortunately I dont know much about Norse Mythology. The only one I can point to is Niflheim as the Dark Place.

[@platypus6810]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I could see the City in the Quarry Threshold as being the equivalent of Asgard or Valhalla maybe

[@apictureoffunction]

I'm kind of thinking that Control and Alan Wake are like a mixture of modernized Norse mixed with a dose of Lovecraftian horror/weirdness. The Oldest House is almost definitely Yggdrasil, the band Old Gods of Asgard (played by Poets of the Fall) appears in both and is implied to have otherworldly connotations and/or powers in each. There's other Norse connotations as well

[@maxisalamone]

It is! Remember it's a setting where collective mind creates the form, therefore only modern aspects of life are represented. Old aspects where replaced.

[@max_pokerface]

wait sec i was wondering why the foundation and nails are in mid air ....till i focus on anchor part of game the anchor is looks like seleucid empire symbol after alexander died then i said wait sec its reference our land ....we know oldest culture in world as historical ways is persialand and then persian empire...persian culture love trees and gardens they all time fought against deforestation and really care about nature ( like mid air gardens in babylon even before persian empire created ! ) still you can see so many gardens in iran bagh fin bagh eram and etc ( bagh=garden )....dont forget Egypt culture greeks and all others cultures influence by that ... another reference is arish a head of defence fbc arish is arabic name a place in Egypt but arish actually is persian name in so many historical books and arish means brave soldier we have same name called arash and there is story about one of bravest soilder ..an archer... in persian mythology who set boundaries between iran and turan a hero stop wars... in FCB arish is the one try keep up oldest house and the foundation.....as we know game is based on norse mythology... maybe in remedy verse we will see all culture in future specially he focused on japanese culture too (maneki-neko) ( for you maybe this is a bit nonesense but dont forget there is Persian employee works with remedy at begining and left rockstar games (navid khonsari ) )

[@oculicaeci5654]

I'm so glad you connected it to House of Leaves! When I got my hands on the Control Art Book, I read about that when they were discussing their inspirations for the Oldest House. I haven't gotten around to reading it yet, but I think this video gave me the motivation. Thank you once again for another awesome analysis, keep up the good work! I always look forward to seeing your videos on Control

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I would absolutely recommend it. House of Leaves is a trippy experience. Although I will say it takes a lot of focus and time to get through it. Probably one of the most technically difficult books to read. No joke but half the book is footnotes and appendices. Plus it follows three narrative threads and jump between them randomly. Good luck with it!

[@Clowreader]

I was hoping all the "House's" in your video would be in blue. It's funny how Control is inspired by the setting of House of Leaves, and yet Alan Wake is definitely more inspired by the House of Leaves' plot.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That would have been a such a good idea! Damn I missed out. Weirdly enough in the Word doc I used for this script i did have all the House words colored in blue. After I finish the book and do the video on it I'll make sure to keep that detail in!

[@AmrasFalassion]

This is the another feed for my curiosity, nice work! I wonder how that "Ragnarok" will be in the next game (if it actually happens).

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I have a feeling if they do it would be similar to how they handled it in Max Payne. A personal apocalypse for the hero.

[@jonaz7312]

Thumbnail: House or tree? My dumb ass *whispering*: It's a treehouse... But seriously great Video once again.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Lmao that's great! The Oldest Treehouse is officially head canon

[@Invisiblekatana]

I believe ragnarok in the remedyverse could be the end of the oldest house to save everything from the end time from quantum break; it’s the end of all things that could be brought on by the board escaping the house and Jesse must use her skills and Alan’s knowledge to possibly help the former set things right across the multiverse, changing ragnarok more into what it is in mythology by allowing two people to reshape what the world is, just on a more supernatural level by stopping the darkness rather than changing all of existence. Remedy could go a million ways on this but it would be a great tie in for quantum break that could even conclude that storyline.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That would be the best description for me too. If the House goes down i imagine it would speed out to all Thresholds linked to it.

[@shapeofpi]

Hey man, great work as always. Funny story: Your channel spontaneously came to thought last night and I had to check if you had any new Control related videos... And voila, today we have a new video. A case for the Synchronicity sector haha. I love your explanation of the Oldest House. You touched upon the the Dark place. So, basically, since it seems to be one of the wells watering the tree, then it's not just one of the thresholds to a different reality (just another door in the Oceanview Motel). It's much more important. The more I think about it, it seems to me that the Dark place is what gives the Oldest House the power of creation (even the root in your photo of the yggdrasil is a spiral, just like the symbol on the door to the Dark place haha). It's growth, the power to shift among other things might come from the Dark place. This also makes me think about the relationship between the Dark place and the Astral plane (seems like a good idea for the video btw.). Both are linked to consciousness (the former is more personal and related to the creation from chaos and the latter even looks light, pure and stable. The formations in the Astral plane... everything is rigid with simple, basic structure, plus it is linked to collective consciousness, so that's a form of stability, or unity as well). To me the Dark place is more personal and chaotic, while the Astral plane is collective and structured, yet both manifest into our physical reality. One could even link it to physics and vibrations. Collective vibrations synchronise, causing the increase in amplitude. A single vibration (an act of creation) can then either increase the collective vibrational amplitude by joining the collective phase of the system or lower it by going entirely against it (the Board could be influencing the collective vibrational frequency in this way). If the vibration is completely out of phase it can greatly disrupt the way the the whole system is vibrating, causing chaotic vibrational patterns (which is what the Hiss does). Sorry, got a bit technical there. One proof this theory can be seen in the technical drawing of the Board (I think it was either a poster or in the documentation, can't remember, just Google it). The Board is depicted as being sturdy and rigid on the outside but filled with dark mist-like vapour, similar to that within the Dark place. This is due to the fact that the Board is constantly introducing its own will (its singular creation or vibration) into the collective consciousness that is the Astral plane. You can say that the dark mist inside is the visual manifestation of the Board's hidden (inner) agenda. Thoughts? Additionally, now this is a stretch, but if what I stated above is true, could it be that the entities inside the Board use the Nail to tap into Yggdrasil (the Oldest House) and through it feed from one of the Wells (the Dark place). The Board does seem like a parasite after all, like the Hiss, but not as chaotic. Like a different kind of tumour (like I described with vibrations). And Nails are used to pierce the bark of trees, to make it bleed. Just some food for thought :) I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Also, one more gem. You talked about the wells of the World Tree and Samantha WELLS momentarily popped to mind. Fun little nugget. :) Anyway, looking forward to your next video.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I have had the same thought! I believe in my Dark Place video I equated that Threshold as a seed in which the tree bloomed from. The reality altering affects down in the foundation could point to this. One thing I go back to is that Thomas Zane created a baby universe for him and barbara to occupy within the dark place. What if the prime reality is simply another pocket universe within the dark place? That every threshold erupted out of there and the house/tree is what binds all of these pocket universes? This would imply every universe sprouted from the dark place at one point. Technically alan created a mini universe in night Springs during the events of American Nightmare. Agtdt the story was over, however, it fell back into the shadows. Same thing with the Cabin on the lake, it vanished once it was job longer used. The question is if our world did come from there, how does it remain stable? I'm exploring the possibility that the Foundation plays a role. Black Rock is a shield against certain energies and the foundation is in black rock quarry. Maybe it helps stabilize reality? No clue.

[@III_phr]

I've just finished this playlist and I want more! I really loved seeing you two, GU and Max Derrat collaborate and make content, Thank you both so much :) waiting to see what else can be unfolded in the Remedyverse...

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you so much! It was a privilege to be able to work with Max on this. I look forward to the next Remedy topic to share.

[@LMMotoss]

I am really glad you brought up the House of Leaves connection. I was thinking about it constantly while playing Control

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I started reading it because of this game. The developers are very open about the influence House of Leaves had on the design.

[@albertomon]

Watching this series of videos, I was reminded of something I read about the mutual fund company "BlackRock". This company is basically the majority shareholder of almost all the banks in the world and of almost all the companies listed on the stock market such as apple, microsoft, IBM, coca cola, monsanto, Ford, Chevrolet, airlines, etc etc and it also manages the retirement funds of many or all the countries of the world. In several videos it is said that they are the ones who control the world. The wars, the deforestation of the Amazon, and everything bad that happens, because they could order, as majority partners, that they stop doing these bad things. And well, what reminded me about the oldest house is that someone said that their headquarters is a very tall black building that no one knows what it looks like inside and that it is located in New York. So this, coupled with this company Controlling the world, reminded me of the game...

[@zombiehippo9477]

Man, I’m so pumped for their next game and I love how you find more and more about the ones we have so far.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Trust me dude lol. We have only seen maybe 30% of what is in this game so far. I could spend years dissecting this game.

[@rlime]

Great video, makes my day when i see these. The consept of The Oldest House was always my favorite part of Control, yet I missed some (most) of the conections you made so your videos are acctualy really educational. And I'm going to have to read House of Leaves now.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'm really glad I could help improve your day! I agree the House is fascinating. And if you read House of Leaves be prepared for weirdness lol.

[@chrisessex229]

I just finished Control for the first time - and then I came across your videos. I literally can’t stop watching them.

[@davidr3627]

Great video. It's wonderful to find someone delving so deep into Control's brilliant lore. I had a thought. I believe when the Board describes the Oldest House as a "house/prison" they're referring to Dylan calling the Oldest House a prison. This is much like when the Board refers to Jesse as "Jesse/Dylan." I think they're conflating Jesse and Dylan together. It's possible that because Jesse and Dylan are (or were) connected through Polaris that the Board has trouble seeing them as two completely separate individuals. The Board could be a collective of connected entities and so they see Jesse and Dylan as something like themselves. They assume Jesse will see the Oldest House the same way Dylan does, or at the very least she'll get the reference.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you so much! And yeah it is really hard to say with the Board. Their speech patterns makes it complicated to really get to the bottom of their meanings. Is the Jesse/Dylan thing as a result of them being siblings or something more? Frankly they are still the biggest mystery to me.

[@sandlesman]

Perhaps Jesse and Dylan are two separated halves of one far stronger being? It would make a little bit of sense, but that's just me.

[@Izual739]

It always a good day when The Dean goes back to The Oldest House! I am currently about halfway House of Leaves, since you mentioned it a while back. Funnily enough, I did not see the connection between "Ash Tree Lane" and "Ash Tray Maze". It blew my mind when you brought it up! Great video, as always!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Glad to be back in the House too! I had heard House of Leaves influenced some of the game but I didn't realize how much of it. I'm a little over halfway through it myself. It is crazy though. Definitely something that requires multiple read through. Talk about Synchronicity, literally the day after I uploaded the Hellblade Labyrinth video I opened the book and the next page started a section where Zampano talks about Labyrinths.

[@Izual739]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I wanted to ask, are you reading it on paperback or ebook? I have a feeling that the electronic version may be lacking in regards to the "unique" formating of what I've seen in photos of the paper version.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'm reading the paperback 2nd edition. Trying to read it on ebook or audio book really kills the experience in my opinion. The book literally gave me claustrophobia for a section lol.

[@Izual739]

@@GamingUniversityUoG yeah, can't find the paperback version where I live, so I settled for the ebook. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Eh it works lol. As long as you enjoy it that's all that matters.

[@Upexify]

Really enjoyed this one, great work!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ethanwagner]

That pre-settlement Manhattan Island doc was a crazy cool find. Also a direct reference in game. Fucking sick

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That document alone broke open so many questions it is insane.

[@justinvanaulen2478]

Another amazing video. Your channel should be in the 500k subs. This man is a legend.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thanks buddy! I'm glad you enjoyed and appreciate the support.

[@mega3291]

Man i love these videos, they are so interesting and goes to show how much care and attention was put in Control. Nice work man Also could you do a video about the former?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Remedy always takes time and care with their games but they really went above and beyond here. The setting and background lore they are setting up could take years to break down. And I actually do have two videos on The Former. One before Foundation and one after. At this point i may need to do another though as I'm not satisfied with them.

[@Napa2323....7]

Always excited when you have more control content iv replayed it 6 times definitely one of my favorites ever.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thanks buddy! It is always a treat on my end to get back to Control and Remedy in general.

[@MCSaeid]

When I see your channel has new content, I just rush to it-ignoring everything else. Out of all the channels and content creators I subscribe to and follow on KZbin, your channel is the only one that truly excites me, and, being someone with an exceptionally strict taste, that is saying a lot. I need to find time to watch your Control and Alan Wake videos again because they are just too good. I was wondering if anyone from Remedy has ever contacted you regarding these thorough analyses. I think you would make an amazing fit for their writing and storytelling team. Anyway, I believe inspiring people is one of the noblest things anyone can do. Your content is so inspiring. I wish to read more on psychology and symbols to be able to discuss more of these with you. I look forward to your new Remedy videos. Cheers.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Cheers! It really means a lot that you get so much enjoyment out of my work here. Honestly, this kind of feedback is what has kept me going on this. Originally I planned 7 videos for Alan Wake and that was going to be the end. But everyone here kept me inspired to keep running. I'm very happy to hear I've helped to interest you in some of these things. At the end of the day that was my goal, to spark an interest not only in the game but other topics as well. And to answer your question, I haven't spoken to any Remedy team member specifically about these videos but I know a few are aware of it. Clay Murphy, the lead writer for Foundation and AWE, follows me on Twitter and I've briefly spoken to Vida, the community manager, about it as well. Honestly, being on the writing team would be incredible. Since I started this channel I've fallen in love with literature and writing in general.

[@MCSaeid]

​ @Gaming University I am very glad you are able to get inspired as well and keep creating amazing content. This, however, may not be enough, and I will try to get into it later on in the comment. Whoever teaches me anything, be it small or big, directly or indirectly, I will feel a certain debt toward that person, and they will be forever engrained in my memories. That is why my personal goal has always been to try and touch people’s souls, and if you can inspire just one person, they will go on to inspire others, and so on. I am sure you have inspired hundreds of people, if not thousands, and that is extraordinary. You should be proud. Getting inspired from comments and feedbacks is amazing but not always enough. Sometimes you need to have an active community of people helping along to get you going, and I am extremely happy to see that that, in fact, is the case. I will certainly try and be as active as I can and try to pay back the debt. Yes, I saw that Vida was following you. That is so awesome. I hope something amazing comes out of this. I have my fingers crossed.

[@death13a]

I think oldest house is Ahti's body since Ahti (in Finnish means is Ocean God) and Oceanview Motel connected to Oldest House refers to Ahti's Eyes. House is always moving like a body breathing or ocean's waves. And Ahti can manipulate Oldest House to let Jesse to bypass security. Also refers to Director as Assistant as in anti-body to fight of any infection. And as Ocean the deeper you go the more weired things become. Board refers to it's self as Prisoner that is in a Cell but maybe Board is a Cell in a body 😮. Also to note the first character/thing you meet in game is Oldest House then Ahti that maintains Oldest House😊

[@christophercomtois7175]

Omg this is probably my favorite part control right behind ahti cant wait

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It is such an interesting setting. I love how the location alone warrants Investigation.

[@trevor3013]

I've been waiting for you to make this video with this exact topic. That's awesome man keep it up I love these videos

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'm glad I could provide! If you have any requests feel free to comment them.

[@jrodriguez9608]

Another great video about a great game. I platinum'd control a few weeks back and I love hearing your take on everything ☺

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

You have me beat on that lol. Still haven't platinum'd it myself. I have one left which is a grind.

[@jrodriguez9608]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Now I'm curious, what is your final Trophy? You're so close! My last trophy was the vending machine one. The RNG element in that one had me wanting to Director Trench myself, if you catch my drift..

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Wow I just realized I had more than I thought. Um the 25 countermeasures, 100 shield rush kills, all foundation hidden locations. All collectibles in foundation, deployed ranger kill 5 Hiss, 50 surge kills, 25 airborne rangers, the bending machine. Once I get it on PC I'll do them lol

[@KDB349]

Ragnarok is basically the end of the world, if Ragnarok is the end of everything, i wonder what would cause the end in the world of control. The hiss? The board? It's all interesting yet terrifying thinking that the oldest house alive and that over thousands of years, potentially millions that it's always been around. Man i really want a Control 2. I simply picked the game up in Gamestop thinking it looked interesting. I'm so glad i did.

[@cregerbot8217]

Haven't commented here in forever, but it's amazing to see how much you've grown GU! Congrats so far:D and can't wait to see more Remedy and other game content in the future!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Hey there Riley! Good to see you. Yeah the last 6 months have shown a lot of growth. I appreciate you stopping by. Oh and just wait until this weekend. Got a new segment for the channel starting!

[@hbk20041]

Could the serpent be “ the former”? Since you can see it outside the astral plan the end of the foundation dlc escaping the “ prison “

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That's definitely one possibility.

[@PymGordonArthur]

You deserve a PhD for this kind of research. Thank you.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

That would be incredible and I appreciate the thought. I've spent most of my life studying symbology and mythology. this is my passion.

[@frogisis]

Did anyone else notice the wood grain impressions in the House's concrete walls? Presumably no concrete was ever physically poured into actual wooden forms to leave that grain behind, but the wood the Oldest House used to be as a tree apparently still left its mark in giving its new appearance shape.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Never really thought of it that way. I could be wrong but I only see the wood paneling in the executive sector in those conference rooms.

[@frogisis]

​@@GamingUniversityUoG Like a lot in this game it's refreshingly subtle, but in addition to the actual wood paneling in Executive, the standard gray concrete wall blocks of most areas throughout the OH have a wood grain texture softly embossed onto the surface "as if" concrete had been poured into wooden forms to harden, "leaving behind" the striated impressions of millions of (presumably conceptual) wooden planks on the surface of the concrete walls. I'd noticed it early on when I was just poking around and appreciating the great environmental design and looking for clues to the OH's history & nature in its plain physicality, but it really hit home after characters started speculating the OH was originally a tree in premodern times and I thought it was a great touch.

[@OyasumiMaomao]

something interesting I noticed in Alan Wake 2 was how going through the overlap and experiencing those lope sequences, they're meant to follow "the rule of three" which is going through the map three times with slight alterations. Don't know the necessarily meaning about the connection but something cool to point out.

[@claymerpepwheeler7940]

It would be interesting to see how King Arthur acted with the service weapon as well as Thor. Maybe not in control 2 but the next game, we will see the previous wielders of the service weapon as well as learn the identity of the Board

[@jonathonpolk3592]

Great video! Question: given what you addressed in this video, what do you think the Former represents in this cosmology? (I know you already did a video on it, but your opinion may have changed since then). Also: if you aren't familiar with it, I would recommend reviewing some of the lore from Mage: The Ascension. It seems like the devs drew heavy inspiration from this system, especially with respect to ontology and how the collective unconsciousness shapes reality.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Honestly most of the comparisons I see for the former is fallen Angels like Lucifer or gods that were punished for something like Prometheus or Loki. The implication we get in Foundation is that he developed a relationship with Dr. Ash and was kicked off the Board as a result. At least that's the way I saw it. I'm leaning more to Prometheus since he was punished for giving some form of insight to man. Loki just stirred the pot to start shit.

[@mjolnir112]

Great work as always. I wonder how the Oceanview Motel might connect to this? It's also described as a Place of Power, and functions as a nexus as sorts connecting different locations. If the Oldest House is a tree, could the Motel be a sapling?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I'm still trying to figure out how the Oceanview ties into this. I feel it works the same except the Oceanview can take you into more than just other Realms/Thresholds. We see it guided Jesse to a patt of her Psyche. It feels like an in-between place for anything the mind can construct. I mentioned this in a previous comment but it reminds me of a place in Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere. A girl named Door enters a reality with multiple doors around it and each one leads to a different door in the real world. In essence you can travel anywhere with two turns of a knob.

[@nukelex]

Fantastic! Well done! I love all the effort you put into making these video’s.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you so much! It is fun researching and putting these together.

[@RazKob33]

Coming from Remedy's Nordic background, it doesn't surprise me if they're inspired by Nordic Mythology!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

And I love that the events of their stories have a basis in nordic themes but only mimic them, not outright using that setting.

[@IanWatson]

While you gloss over it a bit here, you mentioned the association between Ash Tree Lane and the Ashtray Maze, which must have percolated in the back of my head for a bit, since I saw this video but had forgotten about it. I "realized" a few days ago that the Ashtray Maze wasn't about the Ashtray: it was an Ash Tree Maze. And suddenly it made all the more sense why the Old Gods of Asgard would be able to guide you through it.

[@neonblaze1356]

I love how the actual building at 33 Thomas street looks similar to the oldest house, having no windows and being a skyscraper

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Any remedy fans in NY will walk past it a little freaked out

[@central3425]

You have a great way with words. Great analysis.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you so much!

[@jinzokrim9979]

You are becoming better with each episode my friend ! About Ragnarock I think Jessy is the one who will play a part of it however by freeing The Former who will clash with The Board or by taking them out herself that would explain why Ahti called her "Perkele" ... what make this theory interesting is that Ragnarok is also known in Norse literature as the "Twilight of the Gods" and if you see the lyrics of Take Control you will find this line : "I see a vision rising, dreary Fading in as children play twilight games In the town called Ordinary An eye of light reveals a gateway to doomsday" According to the song it's very clear that what happened in Ordinary was the start of doomsday "Ragnarok"

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thanks buddy! I'm still trying to make up my mind on the topic. Whether the Hiss invasion was intended to be aligned with this or if it is something new that will come down the line. Oh I fully believe we will be flashing back to ordinary in one form or another at some point. Personally I'd like to see it as a film.

[@MeggaMann_theBlueLion]

That was so good and to short. Thank you for your dedication

[@JayRican3000]

Another great video. This game is so deep! And love all of the Norse mythology. The last few games I have played have been centered around Norse mythology. Very interesting stuff!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Same here! I honestly didn't study Norse mythology until this, Hellblade, and God of War 4.

[@JayRican3000]

@@GamingUniversityUoG yes. Same with me with GoW and Hellblade. Even watching American Gods. Sunday’s episode had Yggdrasil tree and mentioned Loki.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

American Gods is such a good book. I love Neil Gaiman. I just finished reading The Graveyard Book by him.

[@JayRican3000]

@@GamingUniversityUoG i prob should read the book.

[@cthulhluftagn3812]

I think its the human mindscape manifested as a building, a 'House'. Cauldren lake/dark place is creativity and creation manifested, hence why it has such a powerful affect on the multierse (possibly even CREATING the entire verse) but the house is only effected by human thought. It may have a influence on humanity but only on a very small scale.

[@ConstintineOOO]

The oldest house has always reminded me of the tardis. Perception filter, bigger on the inside. The hero(director) reminds me of the doctor. The shifts in the oldest house reminds me of the tardis changjng its layout with a new desktop or changing its room layout. And then with the oldest house possibly being a tree where the tardis (should be) able to change its appearance to other objects.

[@keith7754]

this made me read House of Leaves, and wow, what an amazing ride

[@cheesefries7436]

Heads up, the oldest house exists; it's the "AT&T Long Lines Building" in NYC and is just as spooky as it is in the game.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Oh I heard it was inspired by real building. Just didn't look into which one.

[@cheesefries7436]

@@GamingUniversityUoG It's really interesting if you decide to check it out. People say the NSA rents space in the building because of it's access to phone lines and it's lack of windows; it's only a few blocks from the FBIs NYC building.

[@filanfyretracker]

The location of the tower also holds meaning, the real 33 Thomas Street is a building that people just ignore in NYC. It was once called the AT&T Long Lines building serving as a nexus of sorts, NYC and as such the building gets its water from three aqueducts. Though I doubt Remedy dug that deep, they just picked the building location because the real one makes a good imposing brutalist structure fitting to be FBOC HQ.

[@platypus6810]

What about the possibility that Nidhogg has already been released? Or rather, what if Former is Nidhogg? The Board is the one that called the House a Prison so it’s probably a prison for one of their enemies, like the Former, which we see at the end of the Foundation being released into the Foundation and possibly out of the House. Maybe the Nail was used to keep Former trapped in that area of the House/Astral Plane, and everything that happened to the Nail released Former.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Possibly. I dont know why but I get the feeling that the Board is also trapped there. But I'll leave that for another video entirely. My opinion in the Former's escape is that while the Astral Bleed was still active the Former was able to slip through. Either that or something that happened when Jesse cleansed the nail. Hard to say.

[@BagginsBalbo]

My lack of knowledge of Nordic mythology makes me doubt the statement that Nidhogg and Former are one thing. Due to the fact that the Board told us that it was of the Board and I'm not sure that Nidhogg originally has been of the whatever is the analogy in the Nordic mythology

[@jrace0]

A thought came to me with the part about the Urd, what if the board are supposed to be these three figures leading to their split talk/multiple meanings being usage as viewed from two out of the past, present or future with the Former being what would have been the third part of them?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I honestly have no clue. I'm still trying to figure out how they fall into this whole thing. The reason I enjoy studying the mythology that the writers use is so that we can recognize patterns in their story when they arise.

[@jrace0]

An extension to that thought that may lend even more to the name being The Former being if it was the entity that was the "past" leaving The Board with only a view to the present and future and potentially 'Unable to learn from their past'

[@ThePresidentofMars]

Im curious about something; if you took a picture of the cityskape with the oldest house in the frame and then took that same picture after being aware of the oldest house would you suddenly see it in the original picture? Something else im curious about is with the ever shifting oldest house, when northmoor and his team first entered and then made the site their hq did they have to collectively think about the various sectors that they would need to function as the agency they are. Dr ash mentioned that they used control points to stabilise the inside but not on where say the containment sector was a prison. Did the board exert their power on the oldest house like how they gave northmoor the service weapon to provide the space for an agency that will become a useful tool to them hence forth?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

In terms of your first question, it is hard to say what someone would see there. Would it be empty space? A park between building? Or do they perceive the buildings on either side with no gap between? It is hard to say really. While never stated or alluded to anywhere, I get the feeling that new sectors of the house open up as the FBC discovers a need for it. So if a new department is created by admin the house accommodates by expanding and proving a new workspace. Their house knows their need or intention and changes to make it happen. Sort of like the portraits of jesse change the moment she is appointed. From what I have read, the board latched onto the House as a life preserver but their control over it is unknown. Hard to say.

[@Rhythme18]

Sounds like the perfect way to have all remedy games protagonist come together with dimensional issue. Watching this i come to conclusion the board looking for something or trying gain something beside Who ever was truly watching the oldest house had to leave . The board never controls anything in the house just the astral plane and a which looks like they near powerless when the hiss in to the plane.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I have a side theory that the Board really isn't that powerful but they make people believe they are and therefore get their way.

[@keepinmind6298]

It seems that the Board is symbolically merged with the FBC probably to gain more influence over the material plane and yet all that power is Jessie's now.

[@Tumbledweeb]

Haha, amusing. I've actually got "House Of Leaves" on the bed next to me right now.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Same here! I'm almost finished with it.

[@scarlletnull2811]

Yes I was waiting for a video like this

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Glad to provide!

[@ModernMercenary]

Love this... thank you for taking the time.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

You got it! I enjoy working on these.

[@imthemetalguy1]

The fact that the former is now out of the astral plane makes me think that if control 2 comes out, then the board and the former will duke it out

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I hope we see something come of this plot line. There is too much potential to not resolve it.

[@Tumbledweeb]

Team Former for the win!

[@dugtastic]

My little ape brain loves these videos. Thank you for putting the time in to make them.

[@DerAykac]

Just ordered the book. Thx for the advise.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

You got it! How you enjoy it. Definitely a unique experience.

[@DerAykac]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I´m not that far into it by now, but i think it´s clear from the beginning that I´m in for a wild ride. And not even 10 pages in you start to see what they took from it and put into the game. Just awsome!

[@palehorseriderx]

I want a sequel to this game so bad

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Same here! There is so much to explore in this world. Plot threads that began that need resolution. I can't wait for Control 2!

[@ladiddas]

Great info, another aspect of the Oldest House that peaks my interest is the location itself. Why New York City of all places? I funnily enough asked ChatGPT what would it perceive as the capitol of the world? Not just geographically/politically, but culturally, socially, economically. Immigrants would see the Statue of Liberty with wonder and optimism for a better future. With the amount of literature, music, commerce that surrounds the city, hell even the UN is headquartered here. NYC is what our collective unconscious designates as the nexus of our reality. Of course the Oldest House would use this as its blueprint to be its home as the nexus for ALL other realities.

[@petebop]

Recently bought House of Leaves. Killed it in a week. It's truly one of the most impressive creations I've ever experienced. Even now, something itches in the back of my head to read it again and again. So, thanks for citing it, otherwise I'd have nothing to h(a)unt me! =P

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I still need to finish it! I'm right at the end sections where Navidson's wife is doing interviews. I'm a slow reader. You're welcome though! It was one of those that on occasion I had to put it down because it gave me anxiety. So cleverly written.

[@petebop]

@@GamingUniversityUoG Hey, going slow gives you more time to digest all the absurdly tied details! You'll probably notice way more than I did anyway =D It's like MZD found a way to distill anxiety into ink and printed it onto a book, so I don't blame you even a little. The story of the Pekinese....had to set it down after that. Eventually just the sight of a Johnny footnote made my stomach turn just a bit. Never has a book made me feel so many different emotions at once.

[@Quenry]

Duuuude this game made me think of House of Leaves too!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Remedy is vocal about House of Leaves being an inspiration for a lot of their work.

[@ga_s6]

thanks for these videos, brother.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

You got it dude!

[@Greaseball01]

I don't know if you're familiar with house pf leaves but there's clearly a lot of inspiration for Control taken from it, including alot of this yggdrasil stuff

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Just finishing up House of Leaves for the first time. I will very likely do a video on it and how it relates to these Remedy games.

[@WheatDos]

Just a reminder that Ragnarok (meaning "Doom of the Gods/Ruiling powers) is not an "End times" but a renewal, afterwards a new Golden Age would begin. So if it happens in the Remedyverse it may be just the end of the Board's reign (Odin, Thor and many ruiling Gods die). Also, Nidhogg survives Ragnarok, so if the Board is Nidhogg, it will just be separated but still "looming". But i believe FORMER is Nidhogg. The archetype of the rebel/antagonistic force against the gods/ruiling power (Nidhogg, Loki, Surtr, Prometheus, the Dragon of Revelation) which means we can't "date" when FORMER rebelled, because he IS the archetype of the "rebel entity". P.s.: Ahti is basically Ratatoskr (who tends to the Tree of Life) and Uriel (the angel who guards Eden and the Tree of Knowledge).

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Nice comparisons on a lot of these. I appreciate. I will add though that in regards to Ragnarok I've read multiple versions of it. One where there is absolute description and a different version that is about renewal. Just depends on how far back you want to go and which author we base our understanding off of. Our modern understanding of norse myth is only partially based upon the original stories.

[@NicolasDominique]

Yet another great analysis. So I guess we should expect a lot of stuff going on in AW2.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Oh I certainly hope so. AW2 is going to break our minds.

[@NicolasDominique]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I certainty hope so, because that will mean more stuff from you!

[@ilregiallo4151]

Nidhoggr lived in te Tree's rooots, but there was also an eagle who lived in the branches (the Astral Plane?*). They used to argue and insult each other (the Board vs the Former?), and the communicated by using a squirrel as messenger (... THE DIRECTOR?!? Just kidding XD) There is still so munch we don't know about the Board, the Former, Chester Bless (the "Son"?) and the House and is hard to make theories. *The word "astral" clearly make reference to a higher place, but we know that the conection between it and the House is in the Foundation. Maybe it is another "well"

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Yeah if I remember correct there was the dragon, eagle, the squirrel and four deer creatures that lived on the tree. Frankly I dont think there has to be a one on one comparison for every one of them. But it's hard to say. From what I've seen there are two definitions for Astral Plane. Either a place where all spirit/consciousness resides. If our body is here then our soul exists there. Both existing at the same time and interacting with one another. Another is a place where the dead go upon death.

[@theemperorprotectsloyalist9307]

This just made me think the Former may be a representation of Nidhogg.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Either the former, the board, or maybe something else we haven't seen yet.

[@federrr7]

I like in Spanish version of this game the house is translated as the "Inmemorial house"

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Interesting way to describe it.

[@Paradox-Antidote-Doze]

Finally, i gain my complete form. Thanks for the truth insight ✨

[@tailgate8840]

After watching this video i would like to see Remedy. Make a game set in Norse mythology it would be interesting to see how Remedies weirdnes and creepynes would work within Norse myth. Because Norse myth is alredy pretty weird And creepy at times

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It would be interesting to see them set something in that time period. With the exception of Quantum Break, every one of their games has allusions to Norse mythos in one form or another.

[@markevayne]

Finally some kind of news yesterday that Epic games is going to be publishing Alan Wake 2 with Remedy!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Was that official?! I heard rumors but nothing from Remedy directly.

[@markevayne]

I am still waiting for them to announce something, but a lot of media sources are saying it as though it's actually happening so we can only hope they're correct, if I hear anything more I'll let you know mate, great video by the way, as always

[@theninjaguy2]

7:13 the idea that the Norns have any kind of Temporal distiction is widely disputed and soley based on a minor quirk of their names, as the stories do not elaborate in the actions of specific norns, only the group as a whole

[@jcwljs1246]

Where is the ashtray and cigratte object of power in control? Could Jesse bind herself to it? How does one break someone's "bound" to an object of power? Can an object of power be bound to people simultaneously? After binding, can the object of power contained anywhere without worry?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I haven't investigated enough to see where exactly the Ashtray and Cigarette are. Jesse absolutely could bind it but we don't know where it is or if it requires the link to Tremch to be severed first. The game doesn't give us any instance of this so I have no clue how it would work.

[@MrLeonardowolf]

there were big vibrations and explosion sounds that i randomly heard through out my playtrhough, and also there were the ahti take on the catastrophe of the explosion of the boiler room...

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Where did you hear the explosions? Down in Maintenance? Yeah the catastrophe that Ahti mentioned had something to do with the man stuck inside the NSC Power plant

[@MrLeonardowolf]

@@GamingUniversityUoG How did i miss all this plot about this director being there? when will this game stop to amaze me?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I don't think this game will ever stop amazing. That being said maybe I should do a video on the NSC.

[@MrLeonardowolf]

@@GamingUniversityUoG please do

[@Balder-gb4eq]

Does that make Dylan a version of loki leading an army of hiss and other beings during ragnarok ?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

I guess you could make the comparison in that way. I haven't spend a long time with Norse Mythos but I always looked at Loki as the Chaos element in a story. In a stable narrative, Loki comes in as a chaotic character to push the plot along

[@azurzelle]

Good video, as always! Is House of Leaves that good? I want to read it for a while but don't know if I should. It's quite long but seems so interesting.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Thank you! And it really depends on you. I find it interesting but a difficult book to read. It essentially follows a man who finds some papers that are a literary analysis of a film documentary. As he reads through it he begins to degrade mentally and we watch his descent into madness. Some sections are designed to give the reader anxiety and claustrophobia. It really depends on if you want to go into that headspace. Some sections get disturbing and isn't for everyone.

[@benjaminmoses9863]

33 Thomas street is a real place, and the building was an inspiration for the FBC building. The real building is also a skyscraper without windows.

[@lakai_path]

i want to understand this games lore so badly but i fail everytime

[@AnonymousOtters]

Oh shit, just realizing this now. Is the worm like creature we fight Nidhog?!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Some have suggested that The Board or Former are a narrative representative of Nidhogg. Not sure where I stand on that.

[@AnonymousOtters]

@@GamingUniversityUoG I don't know about the Board as a whole, but the Former definitely bears a lot of resemblance

[@ramon6878]

So if The Oldest House is Yggdrasil, with the foundation being it's roots. I guess we could assume that Ragnarok will come when the nail is broken. But what is it holding back? The board seems to want to keep it intact.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

It is really hard to say about the Board's motivation. The simple answer is the Nail is their link to the Foundation and with it broken they loose that connection. But there is so much about the board we dont know it is hard to say.

[@Kalevala87]

Unless Remedy pull a sleight of hand, the signs are kinda pointing to the conflict between the Board and Former (Níðhöggr in this scenario?) being at the heart of the next game. There's clearly some history there, and probably some bad blood; it's also clear from the Foundation DLC that the Board isn't as in control (teehee) as they'd like Jesse and the FBC to believe. There are likely forces at play in the conflict that have not been introduced yet, and the Oldest House will be the key battlefield. That said, I really hope we get to travel to other realms, starting from Slidescape-36.

[@davetherave28]

I know this is a ridiculous thing to fixate on, but are ang other military history / history buffs curious about why the "Rangers" appear to be armed with Lewis guns (a WW1&2 era light machine-gun). There's so many vintage looking items in this 2009 world and I get that the house rejects a lot of modern technology.... But a WW1 weapon system ?! That stood out to me beyond the VCRs and bakelite phones.

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

The simple explanation is, like you, mentioned, that the house only accepts technology that is strong in the collective consciousness. I am not familiar with the weaponry in that era so I'll rely on your knowledge. But were these iconic firearms during this period? It might have something to do with that.

[@Eirik_Jarl]

Recall that at the end of The Foundation DLC, there's an earthquake as Jesse repairs the Nail, after which a very worm-like Former is released at the root of the Oldest House. Coincidence? Remedy doesn't do coincidence...

[@DJTagz09]

9:07 LMAO, and I just commented on a previous video how I thought The Board seemed very similar in relation to the Oldest House/Foundation as Nidhogg and Yggdrasil and it's roots! Good to know I was late to the party!

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Haha no worries dude. Yeah the Board and Former definitely seem to have some mythological comparisons.

[@leonuchiha5474]

Hey @Gaming University, can do a video on how Hartman, alan, jesse, the hiss, and the former is linked?? In the one dlc, we have to go up against hartman who is corrupted with darkness. His only weakness is light but he also end up attacking the hiss as we can see in the final battle against hartman, the hiss attacks both jesse and hartman but pays more attention to hartman. Why did the hiss consider Hartman more of a threat than jesse?? Does the Hiss not want another entity other than the board and polaris to get in their way??

[@CallMeKes]

I always considered The Oldest House as a lifeform. At least semi-sentient. And Ahti behind part of it, like a way for it to communicate. That said, what if we were to consider Norse mythology as part of the Remedy Universe? It would imply there are multiple versions of the Oldest House in different parts of the world throughout history.

[@Nrvr]

Only those who are aware of its presence can see it... Anybody else instantly thought of Diagon Alley from Harry Potter?

[@GamingUniversityUoG]

Lol I wonder if a drunk muggle accidentally fell through into the place by accident on occasion. Same thing at the train station.

[@darkpaladinlanceramessesii5719]

Then Ahti might be Mimir. Wise, caretaker and love water