A new independent game development studio, Studio Reset, has emerged in Edmonton, formed by three industry veterans with backgrounds at esteemed companies such as Bioware. Kaelin Lavallee, the creative director, departed Bioware in 2015 and co-founded Studio Reset with Kris Schoneberg and Francis Lacuna earlier this year. The team aims to explore new creative and production opportunities in game development.
Studio Reset joins a trend of Canadian indie studios with roots in larger gaming companies. Notable examples include Toronto-based Soft Rains, creators of the sci-fi game Ambrosia Sky, and Peculiar Path in Toronto, known for the upcoming title Reply All. These studios leverage their experience from big studios to pursue innovative projects.
Studio Reset’s debut game, The Eventide, promises a supernatural mystery experience set in a “neon-noir” Canadian environment inspired by The X-Files and narrative puzzle games like Case of the Golden Idol. Players will select investigators with unique perspectives to solve a series of cases, drawing parallels to the dynamic between Mulder and Scully in The X-Files.
The indie game landscape presents challenges, especially in a competitive market with thousands of releases annually. However, as major studios prioritize safe bets, indie developers like Studio Reset have the freedom to showcase their creativity. Lavallee acknowledges the risks inherent in indie ventures, particularly in marketing and visibility without the resources of larger companies.
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. Large studios offer resources and expertise, while independent developers bring innovation and fresh ideas to the ecosystem.
For Lavallee and other indie developers, the decision to go independent stems from a desire to return to hands-on game development amid industry shifts. While the path is challenging, success stories like Red Barrels, known for the Outlast series, demonstrate the potential for indie studios to thrive and grow over time.
Overall, the indie game sector represents a diverse and resilient segment of the gaming industry, fueled by creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Despite the uncertainties, indie studios like Studio Reset are determined to carve their niche and connect with audiences who appreciate unique gaming experiences.