A fresh independent game development studio is making waves by leveraging their background at renowned gaming companies to pioneer new paths in a rapidly evolving industry. Situated in Edmonton, Studio Reset comprises three individuals who previously collaborated at various firms, including Bioware, known for creating the popular Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises.
Kaelin Lavallee, the creative director, departed Bioware in 2015 and collaborated with multiple 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 emergence of Studio Reset aligns with a trend observed among other recent independent Canadian game developers who possess extensive experience from larger studios. For instance, Soft Rains, based in Toronto, released Ambrosia Sky this summer, featuring veterans from Ubisoft and Bethesda. Another upcoming game, Reply All by Peculiar Path in Toronto, involves “emails as turn-based combat” and includes team members with backgrounds in series like Assassin’s Creed and Red Dead Redemption.
Although venturing out with small teams poses risks in creative industries, especially in the competitive realm of video games, it offers developers a platform to showcase their creative prowess amidst the risk-averse nature of AAA-level studios chasing blockbuster hits.
Studio Reset’s inaugural game, The Eventide, will be 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 a duo of investigators from a diverse character pool to unravel unsolved cases, with each investigator offering distinct interpretations, akin to Mulder and Scully in The X-Files, challenging players to decipher the truth.
Paul Fogolin, president of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, highlighted the symbiotic relationship between AAA and indie studios, emphasizing that the coexistence of both fosters a robust and innovative industry. Philippe Morin, the co-founder of Red Barrels in Montreal, transitioned to indie development to re-engage hands-on in game creation, a move that paid off with the success of their game Outlast and subsequent growth.
However, the industry landscape has evolved, with recent layoffs and restructuring across major gaming companies. As Lavallee embarks on this new journey with Studio Reset, he acknowledges the uncertainties and challenges ahead, recognizing the changing dynamics in the industry. Lavallee, Morin, and other developers underscored the importance of entities like the Canada Media Fund in providing initial support for fledgling studios and projects.
The rise of new indie studios, such as Phantom Rowboat formed by former Ubisoft Halifax employees, demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of developers in the face of industry shifts. These studios aim for long-term sustainability and stability, striving to carve their niche in a saturated market with the hope of enduring success by catering to a specific audience.
For Studio Reset, success translates to garnering enough support from players to sustain their game development journey. They prioritize catering to a niche audience with niche games, emphasizing a sustainable business model over explosive growth, a sentiment that resonates with their vision for the future.
