A novel independent game development studio has emerged, drawing on the expertise of its team members who previously worked at renowned gaming companies. Located in Edmonton, Studio Reset is a trio of developers who collaborated at various firms, including Bioware, known for creating the popular Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises.
Kaelin Lavallee, the creative director, departed from Bioware in 2015 and collaborated with several gaming 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.
In line with a trend seen among other Canadian indie game creators, Studio Reset and similar studios are staffed by individuals with extensive backgrounds in major gaming firms. For instance, Soft Rains, based in Toronto, developed this summer’s Ambrosia Sky with team members from Ubisoft and Bethesda. Additionally, Peculiar Path, a Toronto-based group, is working on Reply All, a game involving email-based turn-based combat, with team members who contributed to series like Assassin’s Creed and Red Dead Redemption.
Venturing out as a small team in the creative industry, especially within the competitive video game sector, comes with inherent risks. However, as large studios become more risk-averse in pursuing blockbuster hits, independent developers find opportunities to showcase their creativity.
Studio Reset’s inaugural project, The Eventide, is a supernatural mystery game set in a “neon-noir” Canadian backdrop, drawing inspiration from The X-Files and narrative puzzle games. Players will select a duo of investigators from a pool of characters to unravel unsolved cases, with each investigator offering different perspectives on the mysteries, requiring players to piece together the truth.
According to Paul Fogolin, president of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, the majority of game studios in Canada, including AAA and indie developers, contribute to a robust and resilient industry. Large studios bring talent, investment, and mentorship, while indie studios inject innovation and fresh ideas into the gaming landscape.
For developers like Philippe Morin, co-founder of Red Barrels, transitioning to indie development allowed for a more hands-on approach to game creation. Red Barrels’ success with their debut game Outlast in 2013 paved the way for sustained growth and player engagement, illustrating the potential for indie studios to thrive.
In light of recent industry dynamics, where job losses are prevalent, some developers have turned to forming indie studios following layoffs. Jon Huffman, formerly of Ubisoft Halifax, co-founded Phantom Rowboat after being laid off, joining other indie teams that emerged from Ubisoft Halifax’s closure.
Despite the challenges posed by the saturated gaming market, Studio Reset aims for success by attracting enough players to sustain their game development endeavors. Lavallee emphasized their focus on catering to a niche audience with unique game offerings, prioritizing sustainability over explosive success.