A fresh independent game development studio has emerged, leveraging the expertise of former employees from well-known gaming companies to explore new paths in a challenging industry. Studio Reset, situated in Edmonton, comprises a trio of individuals who previously collaborated at various firms, including Bioware, renowned for titles like Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
Kaelin Lavallee, the creative director, parted ways with Bioware in 2015 and collaborated with several other game firms before co-founding Studio Reset alongside Kris Schoneberg and Francis Lacuna earlier this year. Lavallee expressed a desire to delve into the creative and production aspects of game development.
Studio Reset joins a trend in the Canadian indie game scene, where recent releases or announcements involve professionals with substantial backgrounds in major studios. Notable examples include Ambrosia Sky by Soft Rains in Toronto, featuring talent from Ubisoft and Bethesda, and Reply All by Peculiar Path in Toronto, with team members contributing to titles like Assassin’s Creed and Red Dead Redemption.
Venturing out as a small team in creative industries, especially in gaming, comes with inherent risks due to the fierce competition posed by numerous new releases annually. However, as large studios increasingly play it safe in pursuit of the next big success, independent developers find opportunities to showcase their creativity.
Studio Reset’s inaugural project, “The Eventide,” is a supernatural mystery game set in a Canadian “neon-noir” environment, drawing inspiration from classic shows like The X-Files and narrative-driven puzzle games such as Case of the Golden Idol. Players will select a pair of investigators from a range of characters to unravel unsolved cases, each investigator offering distinct perspectives, akin to Mulder and Scully from The X-Files.
Paul Fogolin, president of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, highlighted the symbiotic relationship between AAA studios and indie developers, fostering a richer and more robust industry. Philippe Morin, co-founder of Red Barrels in Montreal, transitioned to indie game development to re-engage with hands-on game creation after years in managerial roles.
With the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, the risk calculus has changed for developers, prompting considerations of stability and innovation. As Studio Reset prepares to launch “The Eventide,” they acknowledge the challenges of gaining visibility without the massive marketing budgets of major corporations, emphasizing the importance of early support from organizations like the Canada Media Fund.
Some indie studios have emerged following recent layoffs in the industry, with former employees forming new ventures like Phantom Rowboat post-displacement from Ubisoft Halifax. These initiatives aim for long-term sustainability and stability, amid a vast global pool of game developers.
For Studio Reset, success entails attracting sufficient players to sustain ongoing game development endeavors, prioritizing a niche audience over massive breakout hits. Their goal is to create engaging games for their target audience while embracing the uniqueness of their creations.
