A fresh indie game development studio comprised of industry veterans is making waves in the gaming sector. Studio Reset, headquartered in Edmonton, is a trio of former Bioware employees, known for their work on iconic titles like Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
Kaelin Lavallee, the creative director, departed Bioware in 2015 and collaborated with various game companies before co-founding Studio Reset alongside Kris Schoneberg and Francis Lacuna earlier this year. Lavallee expressed his interest in exploring the creative and production aspects of game development through this venture.
The trend of experienced developers from major studios branching out into independent game development is evident in recent Canadian game releases. For instance, Soft Rains in Toronto, which developed Ambrosia Sky, includes industry veterans from Ubisoft and Bethesda. Additionally, Peculiar Path in Toronto, the creators of the upcoming game Reply All, boasts team members with backgrounds in popular series like Assassin’s Creed and Red Dead Redemption.
While establishing small independent teams comes with inherent risks, particularly in the competitive video game market flooded with new releases annually, it allows developers to showcase their creative prowess. As major game studios prioritize risk aversion in pursuit of blockbuster hits, indie developers can leverage their freedom to innovate.
Studio Reset’s debut game, The Eventide, is a supernatural mystery set in a Canadian “neon-noir” environment, drawing inspiration from shows like The X-Files and narrative puzzle games such as Case of the Golden Idol. Players will select investigators from a diverse cast to unravel unsolved cases, each offering unique perspectives on the mysteries, akin to the dynamic between Mulder and Scully in The X-Files.
According to Paul Fogolin, president of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, the industry comprises a vast number of small studios, with many employing 50 or fewer individuals. Fogolin emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between AAA and indie studios, highlighting how both contribute distinct strengths to the industry ecosystem.
For Philippe Morin, co-founder of Red Barrels in Montreal, transitioning to indie development after years at major studios allowed for a return to hands-on game creation. The success of their first game, Outlast, propelled the studio forward, attracting a significant player base and expanding their team.
In light of the shifting landscape in the gaming industry marked by layoffs and restructuring at major studios, independent developers like Studio Reset face uncertainties despite their creative freedom. The support of organizations like the Canada Media Fund plays a crucial role in providing early-stage funding to help these studios and projects flourish.
The rise of new indie studios like Phantom Rowboat, born from recent industry job losses, underscores the resilience and determination of developers to forge their paths in the face of adversity. These emerging studios aim for long-term sustainability and stability, focusing on building a strong foundation for future growth and success in the competitive gaming market.
