Nobody is implying or even stating the the game is being made purely as a benchmark, they can just release a benchmark tool if thats what they wanted.
Its still a game, but we cant ignore the visuals of a game, and with the knowledge that it will be a graphical showcase using the latest in graphics technology (lol mesh shaders are from like 2018), its a game thats gonna be used in hardware reviews for years to come, thats basically free marketing for the game.
Everyone with a 4090 will want to atleast check how far they can push the game, people with lower end hardware will want to see how they stack up.
Which is where benchmark games come in.
Control cost them ~30 million.
I would agree with your ~50 million guess, but I would actually put it closer to 40 than to 50.
Control sold somewhere around 3 million units, that generated nearly 100 million euros, Remedy and 505 games considered that a huge success.
So if Alan Wake II has a similar budget and expected sales target, regardless of our opinions, if it breaks into the 2.5-3 million mark.....they will call it a success.
Its a more niche title, but I think word of mouth will get it to its sales target.
Control has now sold over 3 million copies worldwide and brought in €92 million of revenue for Digital Bros, as per the financial report.
exputer.com
Havent made a good game since Max Payne?
Well thats certainly an opinion.
The technologies talk to a developers talents, yes gameplay developers are needed, story developers are needed, audio/texture/geometry devs etc etc.
But, looking at the game as is......clearly Remedy are talented devs, why this is up for debate is bemusing to me.