How Control's Most Ambitious Level Was Created | Audio Logs

The Ashtray Maze is Control's standout level: a motel that twists and turns around you, backed by an unforgettable soundtrack. Game director Mikael Kasurinen describes where the idea for the maze came from, and how the team at Remedy implemented something so ambitious and unique.
#Control #MikaelKasurinen #AudioLogs #AshtrayMaze

[@divinitymode9364]

I will never ever understand how the people that design levels/environmental puzzles do what they do. It’s a truly amazing talent.

[@mulethedonkey2579]

Never say never, take a class! You can shadow college classes at some colleges for free for no credit, its called auditing, just call the college and ask. Make sure its a beginners 101 course with no prerequisites! Or take one online or find a free one online from Stanford or Harvard, but taking it in person could be a good motivator.

[@BennXYZ]

What I loved about the level is, how the maze itself first felt like it was trying to harm you by disorienting and throwing enemies at you. But as you progressed through the level it became more and more supportive, creating cover for you, blocking enemies off entirely and at the end literally providing you with ground to stand on. Really made it feel like a living thing.

[@namijbaily3480]

Playing this level was my 2019’s gaming moment of the year.

[@lucapirilli]

same for me in 2022

[@spokje]

I was blown away the whole 6 minutes. It was unreal. The music just fit perfectly throughout.

[@immy2878]

Same for me in 2024!

[@noirczar5280]

The Ashtray Maze is easily one of the most memorable moments in gaming I’ve ever played through.

[@caiusward]

When I get into The Ashtray Maze, along with the music, it makes me feel amazing. I felt like I'm in Inception or Dr.Strange movie. What they did is really good, I really love the game.

[@joshs2734]

Control has the single greatest world/environment/colors/atmosphere/aesthetic/art style. Everything is so breathtakingly beautiful, fascinating and mysterious. It's not my favorite game (though it's top 5) but it is hands down my favorite world, art and design ever. It's so gorgeous that it almost makes me cry. It's such an incredibly unique experience . Especially in our modern world of checklist gaming, bland open worlds with copy/paste forts and towns. I wish more developers and publishers were brave enough to create the kinds of games that studios like Remedy and Arkane make.

[@JR-pf9in]

Arkane's Dishonored is what got me into playing games. Games truly are an amazing art form and experience when you're fully immersed into the world of a game. The Ashtray Maze was an experience I'll never forget.

[@lozg8887]

The Ashtray Maze was a defining videogame moment. Well done Remedy!

[@RockBottomRiser21]

Maybe the coolest sequence I've played in 2019.

[@system_eneve]

💯

[@giodc8599]

You guys at Remedy created a masterpiece of a game and the Maze is surely the highlight of the whole experience. Team effort like you said, Mikael. It must have felt amazing to deliver this gem :)

[@civilwarfare101]

Hearing Poets of the Fall made that level so good.

[@splayzer]

Got goosebumps watching this video! I've played Control blind, went without knowing anything about it (the less you know about it, the better the experience becomes) you can actually find the Ashtray Maze early in the game and I've got so frustrated that I couldn't pass the first room, as intended coz you not suppose to do it a that early moment, tried several times, until I convinced myself that i probably needed to level up before doing it. When the time finally arrived, I did it standing in front of the TV, in awe with what I was seeing front of me! Control was my personal GOTY, also on my personal Top 10 PS4 games! I wrote before in another video, The Game Awards should have a 'Best Game Level/Mission of the Year', Ashtray Maze would've won for sure!!!

[@palehorseriderx]

this! I played control very late (this year, in fact) and I LOVED the game!

[@RiliwanSanni]

I played this section yesterday and I don't think I'll ever forget it

[@kalythgaming]

I just played this part an hour ago for the first time and I was smiling as a kid while the music followed the action of my Jesse floating, shooting and possessing enemies… Wow… just wow…

[@TheBelaidKL]

This was such a good watch. Definitely one of the most memorable gaming levels of the last however many years. Hearing Mikael''s insight makes it so much more impressive!

[@sauravpanwar9455]

The Game design is just so pleasing and innovative. The animation in this level is so accurate and fits in to make it that great!!

[@semper.videre]

Just played it today and I'm still blown away. Remedy did such a great job on this level. One of the greatest levels and moments I experienced in all my years of gaming. Remedy did really build a great game with an appealing mysterious world and the maze is one of the true highlights in it.

[@jeffhernandez7594]

Hands down the coolest sequence I've ever played.

[@EDMINGREVIEWS]

This game was fantastic. The last game I completed in 2019 brought me such joy. It's full of creativity and tries new stuff in the game media and it just makes me more hopeful for the future of video games and innovation. Sadly not so many people picked up this game and didn't have the support and attention it deserves.

[@K1r4Gamer]

Just played the Maze today. So amazing and beautiful!

[@velashevskyy]

Ashtray Maze, is definitely best game exp. of 2019. Simply brilliant work.

[@LapisGoBlue]

I hate how underrated this game is. Deserves more love.

[@jonathanmtz3934]

This song is on my playlist, and I play it everyday! 🤘🏻

[@OMR6468]

Can't wait for the DLC in March. Hoping for more weapon forms, powers and weirdness

[@jasondp3546]

This or Star Wars?

[@ConceptJunkie]

This was definitely a highlight of the game, and an amazing moment in terms of graphics technology and good gameplay, but the whole game is full of this kind of stuff. The level design was amazing, and the attention to detail gives the environment a verisimilitude that enhances the immersion of the game, and let's not forget how good the writing of the story is. Great job, Remedy! I can't wait to see the sequel!

[@TheeMentalNomad]

I did the ashtray maze this weekend. I have not had a video game level garner such visceral emotion in a very long time. When Jesse says “that.. was awesome” at the end. Cherry.

[@melodicmonster]

This is one of my favorite moments in gaming, along with the abduction scene in Prey (2006). "Take Control" elevates the moment drastically, just as "Don't Fear the Reaper" did with Prey.

[@DonnieDisasters]

That game was one of the most memorable game I've played.

[@lucasburford7881]

What an inspiration, I loved this level and the whole game so much I platinumed it twice lmao. Hearing him talk with so much passion about the development and about the team makes me want to work for them so bad, I'd love to be a level designer for them one day

[@Duterasemis]

This game was one of my favorites of the last decade. When a decade starts with New Vegas and contains Doom 2016, Divinity: OS2, Grim Dawn, Subnautica, Hollow Knight, etc. etc. that's no small feat. They did an incredible job just making it feel awesome. The power fantasy is just perfect.

[@controul]

The Ashtray Maze is one of my most memorable gaming sequence. Control overall is a masterpiece.

[@penyuwan]

Imagine playing this level in VR. Woah!

[@Xavier-ty4jw]

Sounds horrible

[@Sparkpark228]

panic attack will be real

[@homesless]

TL;DR - Remedy knows how to make games; Poets of the Fall knows how to make music to accompany Remedy games. Having just played through Ashtray Maze myself (thanks to my finding of their work in AW2, which led me to playing through AW1 and then Control), I can spot many of the talking points Mr. Kasurinen spoke of in terms of figuring out where to go, with whatever fights were happening, and even 'triggers' in terms of video game logic. With that said, I more than appreciate not only what the developers put together, but also how they collaborated with the Poets of the Fall and their own contributions, all of which enhanced the experience that much more. Such a dynamic, adaptive system they've combined to create, and, in my opinion, Poets of the Fall deserve their own plaque in gaming history, and Remedy needs a plaque, as well - I'd argue there wouldn't be a true Ashtray Maze without Poets of the Fall; Remedy deserves their own plaque in gaming history for coming up with Ashtray Maze in the first place.

[@lucapirilli]

Best part of the game, just played it recently knowing (on purpose) very little of it. I was expecting an Alan Wake-"War"-like moment here as well, and when Jesse started the tape, I knew it was time. Mikael is right, there was no need of puzzles or overcomplicated things, the aesthetic and the music were already enough to make a level that felt epic. I didn't run there, I just walked through and enjoyed the song, blasting away enemies with the curiosity of how the maze was going to change next. Really an amazing job!

[@TheOttomatic91]

That maze sequence was f*cking amazing I cant wait to see what project Remedy does next. Oh and keep making content like this it's awesome.

[@AngryKittens]

Control was unexpectedly a really great game.

[@armchairgravy8224]

Control was a lot of fun! Thanks to the Remedy team for making another great game.

[@9juju6]

3:30 Look at that fool trying to shoot Shatter across the map. Smh. We all know Grip is the superior Service Weapon form.

[@tommiv4953]

While playing this section, did anybody else wonder what happens when the song ends? This thought actually made me hurry along and made the experience even more hectic.

[@blobbything2986]

It doesn't. Different parts of the song play and loop in different parts

[@wayne8797]

Yup, I was blown away by the level design of the maze. Really really well done.

[@DavidFregoli]

"I am the Director of Control" Pog

[@carpemkarzi]

Love the game. Oddly enough two of my favourite games of the last two years have been from small devs who strove to do something different and did they ever succeed..Control and Hellblade: Senuas Sacrifice.

[@janioyahoo]

Remedy, small dev?

[@Lupinvej]

Very cool video, free master class lecture! Thx GS!

[@T4gProd]

One the all time greatest curveballs in gaming history. I expected a tedious navigation puzzle and it completely blew me away. The only thing I'm wondering, is whether or they made the combat in that section easier. It's a set piece and set pieces lose their power with repetition very easily. I don't know if it was the music and the awe I felt that made a better player, or was the combat actually a bit easier than normal in that segment.

[@cf5914]

I loved this game so much but I think having the health bars and level indicators above the enemies broke the otherwise incredible immersion. Surely some other visual cue could have been used, ie different color uniforms, eyes, whatever. Great job on the game!

[@jeremynebraska]

Great insight into an already amazing game! Thank you for the vid.

[@Johnnygrafx]

I loved watching this. Control is an outstanding game and I'll always be interested to see philosophies behind its design.

[@heisenbergred]

could have used more enemy types

[@Johnnygrafx]

@@heisenbergred agreed. And the map sucked. But other than that it's nearly perfect

[@heisenbergred]

@@Johnnygrafx I agree

[@xsomili5501]

Experiencing this for the first time 2 days ago was one of the best first experiences ever

[@franz3810]

I love Control , it's such a masterpiece

[@aranerem3767]

The maze part was amazing. The best part of the game. It blew me away.

[@maxcherkasskikh5960]

By far the best part of the game or any game that I have recently played. Bravo to the team!

[@vinceo.1262]

The music on this stage was just...mmm *mimicks chef kiss*

[@theinitiative3139]

This man needs to make a Doctor Strange game immediately.

[@takoshihitsamaru4675]

Dr Strange is fine and all, but drawing parallels between these two is really selling Control short.

[@Aro2001]

@@takoshihitsamaru4675 I don't know... I can see where they are coming from with that. Magic would give the freedom/excuse to make rooms that shift around, fold, and expand on itself. Dr. Strange's story/worldbuilding lends itself to having environments like that. That being said, I'd rather have a Control sequel

[@James_Winter27]

Those bright white documents on a dark menu were gorgeous to experience on a dark room. The eyes love to be washed out on a bright white light at midnight.

[@laraontoast]

One of my favorite video game moments, ever.

[@DanPratama]

Ashtray Maze one of the best moment for Control.

[@MikeyJB]

My favourite gaming moment before Control was the concert in Alan Wake. I thought nothing would ever be able to beat it till this maze. After I played this mission I immediately purchased the song.

[@RaymondArias]

Some elements reminded me of "Devil May Cry: DMC," especially Jesse's ability to dodge while mid-air and the setpieces that made me recall Sparda's manor.

[@Harb0eJac0b]

Thanks for being who are and keep making fantastic games (Alan Wake 2 :-)) Loved Control. My favourite game of 2019. Great video. Thanks to Remedy for giving their time gorvot. I really feel the passion for the game.

[@alliciade1121]

I really wish you could go through the maze multiple times after you get through it the first time

[@neezduts69420]

Thank you for the part that sealed my love for your game

[@Wankeroo]

The gamma looks jacked on these clips? Loved this game...

[@seanjw12345]

Definitely worth my time ... as soon as I got to this level and the music started kicking ass my power was knocked out because of a hurricane..🤬.. I can’t wait for the dlc’s I think they’ll be as good as the meat and potatoes..

[@noelvermillia]

When I got to this level my jaw dropped.

[@mpas27]

I spent 6 hours trying to go through this labyrinth, until I realized it's impossible until the plot twist)

[@sellingacoerwa8318]

sure you did.

[@mpas27]

@Voltaic Fire but true

[@mpas27]

@Voltaic Fire well, I just found this labyrinth too early and tried to pass through with no searching answers or any tutorial in the internet. I thought there's a way to solve this riddle. I tried going through different rooms, to set the items in the room just like on the paintings and other stuff, but without any result) "Funny as hell, it was Ahti's mp3 that helped to go through the labyrinth "

[@DailypursuitNetNews]

What a great game, what a great Remedy of Finland.

[@cypher878]

I love Courtney Hope

[@sellingacoerwa8318]

Morality question, are you cheating on your current wife, a anime body pillow, by saying this?

[@cypher878]

@@sellingacoerwa8318 i wish i had a wife or even a GF 😂

[@sellingacoerwa8318]

@@cypher878 Time will bring most reasonable things and people pairing up is very reasonable. Just be good and think about how other people feel before yourself best you can.

[@dantshort]

This was a ride.

[@ChaoticNeutralMatt]

Still need to play this. This is amazing.

[@chillingdudex]

my favorite level in a game ever, that was AWESOME

[@funkytownmonkeypimps6716]

Yup, the ashtray maze was awesome. Only an experience games can provide.

[@Cococrash11]

Awesome Control Video.

[@Nick_the_human]

Give us that outfit from the prototype build in the full game maybe with the dlc! So excited to have a reason to go back

[@gregwxst]

One of the coolest levels of all time and the best game of 2019.

[@FreemanCs16]

After Alan Wake masterpiece i was pleasantly surprised playing this one just fantastic team Remedy can't wait fof eventually Alan Wake 2.

[@kotkaconforza]

I wouldn't hold my breat because Microsoft owns that ip and Remedy wants to make games to all platforms now.

[@adgd]

@@kotkaconforza Remedy owns the Alan Wake IP (distribution/publishing rights might be Microsoft's tho). There are multiple Sam Lake interviews that he states that. He also said Control started as Alan Wake 2, and that he really wants to make it.

[@kotkaconforza]

@@adgd Oh, ok. Got that wrong. That's cool if it happens someday. They have one game in development that they haven't announced yet. So maybe??

[@shiruba7019]

Well, wait until 2023! Alan Wake 2 is coming!

[@MikkoRantalainen]

@@shiruba7019 Control 2 is also in production already.

[@francesphilip8194]

Ohhh I really like the outfit with the skirt! Please give us skirt outfit DLC!

[@RussianAssassin100]

You just want to levitate and look up her skirt

[@francesphilip8194]

@@RussianAssassin100 no I just wanna look fashionable

[@Visuwyg]

Is he wearing an Alan Wake shirt as a hint at their next game? God I hope they create a game that is both a sequel to Alan Wake AND Control at the same time. With Jessy as the Antagonist trying to catch Alan.

[@CatIndustrialComplex]

It's confirmed that the second DLC will bring back and focus on Alan Wake.

[@wabisabi7755]

Yeah some of the documents you pick up at the game mention the events of Alan Wake.

[@tanzeelrahman7835]

This game deserve game of the year.

[@Megaseawolf]

Of the best gaming moments of all time. It was awesome for sure. 🤘

[@Kujamon]

Only bad thing about the game was the redacted words not getting revealed as your clearance level increases

[@elessal]

No. The bad things were the epic exlusivity deal and the content locked to for consoles-only.

[@penyuwan]

Now must listen to the song again.

[@ResoluteGryphon]

What is the movie he mentioned being inspiration for the hotel's look? The captions said "Button Think" or "Bottom Thing". I can't figure out what he's actually saying.

[@ResoluteGryphon]

Found it! It's the 1991 Cowen brothers film, Barton Fink. You can clearly see the design similarities. Very cool.

[@christoboy1000]

gotta admit the maze was the shit, and the music was just the perfect fit to it

[@namor5401]

Thank you Remedy.

[@Razor_Regiment]

Hands down the absolute best part of the game.

[@takoshihitsamaru4675]

Ooo, I think you may be forgetting just how insane some of the moments were in this game.

[@adamnunya3924]

trying to get my friend to play this but i refuse to mention the maze, i wouldnt dare take that moment from someone

[@alehaim]

The title misspelled "best" as "most ambitious"

[@mahesh84]

keeping game simple is what every game developer should think , control is what exactly im saying but the problem is navigation and it could have been bit easier

[@solidsbro1259]

Can we please get a skin where her sleeves are rolled up all the way

[@sellingacoerwa8318]

I'm sure they'll drop working on the DLC and get right on that bro.

[@renascence239]

Nooo...why am I watching this, it takes all magic away. :)

[@firstpersonlooter]

If only they put as much thought into the map. It’s static, (can’t zoom in/out, rotate) can’t view individual floors, all floors overlapping each other, no compass or waypoints except for a few times one first entering select locations. I enjoyed the game, I loved all the physics, I didn’t totally understand the story but I was still really engrossed. I did the main story Playthrough and was a little too exhausted to go back and do everything else until recently. It is a bit easier on a second Playthrough when I have a better grasp on navigation, the user interface and service weapon upgrades.

[@MrBucketlist]

So good to hear alan wake getting love

[@Barbaroossa]

I see a vision rising dreary...

[@IdeaOfEvil]

AWAiting how they connect Control and Alan Wake more in the DLC

[@donatodiniccolodibettobardi842]

I felt myself such a moron for not being able to figure out the maze, when I have found it for the first time. I was never good at puzzles.

[@jmsantos1983]

DLC? This game is really underrated.

[@scmynamejeff3536]

Yea it got announced

[@garedo2786]

So...he is the director... I see...

[@elessal]

What movie does he say that is being referenced? Bottom thing?

[@MrLinker44]

I wonder the same exact thing. I heard button think which makes even less sense..

[@RemedyGames]

Barton Fink ;)

[@mantistoboggan5171]

barton fink. one of the few coen brothers films i have not seen, but certainly will soon, considering how brilliant all their other films are.

[@Joeki11a]

They next DLC has to be more of thi

[@kelxone]

Cool

[@og4tcm]

23 people must have got stuck in the maze...

[@jaymcspay]

Yeah but HOW was it created? Looking for technical methods, not the designer's vision. Misleading title.