A brand-new independent game development studio is emerging, formed by a trio of industry veterans aiming to revolutionize the gaming landscape. Studio Reset, headquartered in Edmonton, comprises Kaelin Lavallee, Kris Schoneberg, and Francis Lacuna, who honed their skills at prestigious companies like Bioware, renowned for creating popular titles such as Mass Effect and Dragon Age.
After departing Bioware in 2015, Creative Director Kaelin Lavallee ventured into collaborations with various game firms before teaming up with Schoneberg and Lacuna to establish Studio Reset earlier this year. Lavallee expressed enthusiasm for exploring the creative and production aspects of game development in this new endeavor.
Studio Reset aligns with a trend seen among recent independent Canadian game developers who boast extensive backgrounds at major studios. For instance, Soft Rains in Toronto, responsible for the summer release Ambrosia Sky, features talent from Ubisoft and Bethesda. Similarly, Toronto’s Peculiar Path, creators of the upcoming title Reply All, counts members with experience on renowned franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Red Dead Redemption.
Venturing into independent game development poses inherent risks, especially in a competitive industry flooded with countless new releases annually. However, as large studios increasingly shy away from risks in pursuit of blockbuster hits, independent developers find opportunities to showcase their creativity.
Studio Reset’s debut game, The Eventide, promises a supernatural mystery adventure set in a “neon-noir” Canadian backdrop, drawing inspiration from iconic shows like The X-Files and narrative-driven puzzle games such as Case of the Golden Idol. Players will select a duo of investigators from a range of characters to delve into unsolved cases, each investigator offering unique perspectives that challenge players to unravel the truth.
Industry insights from Paul Fogolin, President of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, underscore the symbiotic relationship between AAA and indie studios, fostering a more robust gaming ecosystem. Philippe Morin, co-founder of Red Barrels in Montreal, transitioned to indie development to rekindle hands-on involvement in game creation after years at Ubisoft and Electronic Arts.
The indie venture paid off for Red Barrels with the success of their inaugural game, Outlast, propelling the studio’s growth and player base. However, the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, marked by job cuts and restructuring, underscores the changing dynamics that even established studios must navigate.
As Studio Reset embarks on its journey, Lavallee acknowledges the uncertainties ahead, particularly in marketing a new game without the hefty budgets of major corporations. Despite the risks, support from organizations like the Canada Media Fund plays a vital role in providing initial funding for emerging studios, enabling them to kickstart their projects.
The resilience of indie studios is exemplified by Phantom Rowboat, founded by former Ubisoft employees from Halifax following a wave of layoffs. These grassroots initiatives reflect a commitment to sustainability and longevity in an industry teeming with competition.
For Studio Reset and its peers, success hinges on engaging a dedicated audience to sustain their creative pursuits. While the road ahead may be challenging, they remain steadfast in their mission to cater to a niche market and foster a community of passionate gamers.