Alan Wake 2 marked a change in direction for the series, most clearly with Remedy Entertainment's decision to build the sequel from the ground up as a survival-horror experience. It was geared to be a slower and tenser title, focusing on better balancing the pacing of its combat and story. Alan Wake 2's marketing focused heavily on this aspect, as it unapologetically took cues from highly regarded entries in the genre, specifically the modern Resident Evil remakes.