A new indie game development studio formed by former employees of renowned game companies is making waves in the gaming industry. Studio Reset, located in Edmonton, consists of a three-person team, including Creative Director Kaelin Lavallee, who parted ways with Bioware in 2015 to venture into the creative and production aspects of game development. Lavallee, along with Kris Schoneberg and Francis Lacuna, co-founded Studio Reset earlier this year.
The emergence of Studio Reset aligns with a trend seen among other independent Canadian game developers who have backgrounds in major gaming studios. For instance, Soft Rains, the Toronto-based studio behind the upcoming game Ambrosia Sky, boasts veterans from Ubisoft and Bethesda. Similarly, Peculiar Path from Toronto, creators of the game Reply All, includes individuals who have worked on titles like Assassin’s Creed and Red Dead Redemption.
Despite the risks associated with small teams venturing out on their own in the competitive video game market, independent studios offer developers the opportunity to unleash their creativity, especially as larger studios focus on risk-averse strategies to chase blockbuster hits.
Studio Reset’s debut game, The Eventide, is a supernatural mystery set in a “neon-noir” Canadian backdrop, drawing inspiration from iconic TV series like The X-Files and narrative-driven puzzle games such as Case of the Golden Idol. Players will select investigators from a diverse cast to solve a series of enigmatic cases, each character providing unique perspectives and interpretations of the mysteries.
Paul Fogolin, President of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between AAA and indie studios in fostering a robust gaming industry. Philippe Morin, co-founder of Red Barrels, highlights the shift towards smaller teams to focus on hands-on game development, leading to successful outcomes like their acclaimed game Outlast.
However, the evolving landscape of the gaming industry has brought about challenges, with job losses and studio closures impacting developers. Studio Reset acknowledges the risks associated with launching new projects without the vast resources of AAA companies but remains optimistic about carving a niche in the market.
Amidst the uncertainties, indie studios like Phantom Rowboat, born from Ubisoft Halifax’s closure, are determined to establish long-term sustainability and stability in the industry. Studio Reset aims to create games for a niche audience, prioritizing continued game development over seeking massive commercial success.