A fresh independent game development studio, Studio Reset, has emerged with a team of three members in Edmonton, drawing from their past experiences at renowned game companies like Bioware, known for creating popular titles like Mass Effect and Dragon Age. Kaelin Lavallee, the creative director, parted ways with Bioware in 2015 and later co-founded Studio Reset with Kris Schoneberg and Francis Lacuna earlier this year to explore the creative and production aspects of game development.
Similar to other recently launched independent Canadian games, Studio Reset and its counterparts share a background of working at larger studios. For instance, Soft Rains in Toronto, the creators of Ambrosia Sky, comprises ex-employees from Ubisoft and Bethesda. Another Toronto-based team, Peculiar Path, behind the upcoming game Reply All, includes developers who contributed to games like Assassin’s Creed and Red Dead Redemption.
Venturing into solo endeavors in creative industries, especially in the competitive video game sector, poses inherent risks as indie studios must navigate through a plethora of new releases each year. However, with major studios prioritizing safe bets, indie developers have the opportunity to unleash their creativity.
Studio Reset’s debut game, The Eventide, is a supernatural mystery set in a “neon-noir” Canadian backdrop, inspired by The X-Files and narrative puzzle games like Case of the Golden Idol. Players will select investigators from a diverse pool to unravel unsolved cases, each offering distinct perspectives on the mysteries, reminiscent of Mulder and Scully’s contrasting views in The X-Files.
According to Paul Fogolin, president of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, the gaming industry in Canada comprises a significant number of smaller studios, with the interplay between AAA and indie studios fostering a dynamic and resilient ecosystem.
Transitioning from larger studios to independent ventures, developers like Philippe Morin from Red Barrels highlight the appeal of returning to hands-on game development and the rewards of creative autonomy. Despite the risks associated with indie ventures, Lavallee acknowledges the challenges of gaining visibility without the backing of large marketing budgets.
The changing landscape of the gaming industry has seen major job cuts, prompting industry insiders to explore independent avenues for stability and innovation. With support from entities like the Canada Media Fund, independent studios can secure the initial funding required to kickstart their projects.
As some indie studios emerge from recent layoffs in larger companies like Ubisoft, the resilience and long-term goals of these new ventures, such as Phantom Rowboat, underscore a commitment to sustainable growth in a competitive market flooded with numerous game releases annually. Success for Studio Reset lies in sustaining their game development by catering to a niche audience, prioritizing creativity over mass appeal.
