Alan Wake 2 introduces a new playable character besides the titular protagonist—FBI agent Saga Anderson—who is being portrayed by Melanie Liburd, a British TV actor known for her roles in Game of Thrones and This Is Us. With Saga’s inclusion, Remedy aims to create a story-driven experience with equal emphasis on both Alan and Saga as co-protagonists.
Who is Saga Anderson in Alan Wake 2?
In Alan Wake 2, players will alternate between controlling Alan Wake and Saga Anderson as they navigate the town of Bright Falls. Saga, an FBI agent and criminal profiler, who arrives in Bright Falls to investigate the death of Special Agent Nightingale who was pursuing Alan in the first game.
The trailer showcases gameplay moments featuring Saga as a playable character, alongside Alan Wake. As players progress through Saga’s storyline, they will uncover her true purpose in the town and her integral role in the overall narrative. While specifics remain cryptic, the promotional materials assure that Saga’s presence in Bright Falls will become clear early on, emphasizing the interdependence between Saga and Alan as they navigate the unfolding events.
In a recent interview, Sam Lake, the creative director at Remedy Entertainment, emphasized the importance of Saga Anderson to the overall narrative of Alan Wake II. Lake expressed that Saga’s character holds equal significance to the titular character, Alan Wake, and her inclusion as a second playable character marks a significant milestone for the studio.
By introducing Saga as a co-protagonist, the studio was able to explore new tonal shifts and expand the narrative in ways that were not possible in the original game. The inclusion of Saga also adds to the horror element of the game, as players witness her gradual realization of the true nature of Bright Falls while Alan strives to escape the dark dimension that has entrapped him for over a decade.
Lake also explained that Saga’s presence in the game will help ground both new and returning players in the world of Bright Falls. While Alan Wake 2 is a sequel to the original game, Saga’s character offers a fresh perspective and serves as a jumping-on point for newcomers. The story takes place 13 years after the events of the first game, and both familiar and new faces will appear.
Melanie Liburd’s career prior to playing Saga Anderson in Alan Wake 2
Melanie Liburd is known for her notable performance in various roles in television series over the last several years, such as Zoe Baker in ‘This is Us’, Street Red Priestess Meereen in ‘Game of Thrones’ and more recently, Jenna in ‘The Idol’.