emptyvessel: Doom Devs Launch Indie Studio with AAA Sci-Fi Shooter
In a bold move that could redefine indie game development, a cadre of industry veterans, known for their groundbreaking work on seminal titles such as "Doom" and "Quake" have banded together to form a new game studio, emptyvessel. This Austin-based venture is not just any indie startup; it aims to marry the creativity and innovation of independent game development with the polish and scale of AAA gaming. With initial funding secured from Sisu Game Ventures, emptyvessel is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming landscape.
At the helm of emptyvessel are CEO and game director Emanuel Palalic and COO and general manager Garrett Young, whose pedigrees include pivotal roles at id Software, the legendary studio behind "Doom" and "Quake." This dynamic duo is no stranger to creating genre-defining experiences, and they're now channeling their expertise into this new endeavor. Their inaugural project is a shooter that promises to immerse players in a dystopian sci-fi universe, drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of film, graphic novels, and video games that have captivated audiences with their visions of the future. Powering this ambitious title is Unreal Engine 5, ensuring cutting-edge visuals and gameplay.
What sets emptyvessel apart is its commitment to a "developer-founded, developer-first" philosophy. This approach is a deliberate pivot from the industry norm, aiming to foster an environment where creativity and innovation are paramount. The studio is actively recruiting top-tier talent, with a team comprising industry veterans who have contributed to blockbuster franchises such as "Call of Duty," "The Last of Us," "Borderlands," "Tomb Raider," "Uncharted," and "Callisto Protocol." Despite the geographical dispersion of its team members, emptyvessel is united in its mission to craft high-quality intellectual properties (IPs) that resonate with gamers worldwide.
Palalic and Young's vision for emptyvessel is clear: to challenge the status quo by creating AAA-quality games with leaner, more focused teams. This approach not only leverages the strengths of their talented team but also addresses a longstanding industry oversight—the undervaluation of the individuals behind the games. "Many game developers like myself began our journey fueled by the dream of one day bringing our worlds to life," Palalic shared. "With emptyvessel, we're determined to change that narrative."
Young further emphasized the studio's philosophy, highlighting the pivotal role of developers in driving innovation within the gaming industry. "Our industry is at a crossroads between business and talent," he noted. "At emptyvessel, we take a Developer-First approach to our direction and execution, understanding that every innovation has been led by a developer taking a risk."
As emptyvessel gears up for its debut in the AAA gaming arena, its unique blend of indie spirit and AAA ambition could very well set a new precedent for game development. By prioritizing creativity, talent, and innovation, emptyvessel is not just aiming to release a game—they're striving to inspire an industry-wide evolution.