A fresh game development company, Studio Reset, has emerged with a team of three individuals who bring their expertise from renowned gaming enterprises to venture into uncharted territories in the industry. The studio, based in Edmonton, was founded earlier this year by Kaelin Lavallee, Kris Schoneberg, and Francis Lacuna, who previously collaborated at Bioware, known for producing the beloved Mass Effect and Dragon Age series.
Lavallee, the creative director, departed from Bioware in 2015, gaining experience from various game companies before co-establishing Studio Reset. The trend among independent Canadian game developers, including Studio Reset, reflects a pattern where industry veterans are breaking away from larger studios to unleash their creativity in smaller, risk-taking teams.
Their debut game, titled “The Eventide,” will be a supernatural mystery game set in a Canadian “neon-noir” environment, inspired by iconic TV 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 diverse character pool to solve unresolved cases, each investigator offering unique perspectives that challenge players to unravel the truth.
In the gaming industry landscape, the interplay between AAA studios and indie developers is vital for fostering a dynamic and resilient ecosystem, as noted by Paul Fogolin, president of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada. Transitioning from working at major studios like Ubisoft and Electronic Arts, Philippe Morin, co-founder of Red Barrels, emphasizes the return to hands-on game creation by going indie, a move that paid off with successful game releases and studio growth.
Despite the risks associated with venturing independently, Lavallee acknowledges the challenges of marketing “The Eventide” without the massive budgets of AAA companies. The changing dynamics in the gaming industry, marked by layoffs and financial strains, have prompted seasoned developers to explore independent ventures, supported by initiatives like the Canada Media Fund.
Some indie studios, like Phantom Rowboat, have emerged from recent layoffs, exemplifying a trend of resilience and collaboration within the gaming community. Studio Reset aims for sustainable growth, focusing on niche games for specific audiences rather than seeking overnight success, reflecting a pragmatic approach to game development in a competitive market.
