From BioWare, Inflextion, and Timbre Games, three former developers unite to announce their new Canadian indie studio, Studio Reset, with a glimpse into their upcoming title.
As video games continue to rise in popularity, a new indie Canadian studio, Studio Reset, has emerged, founded by Kaelin Lavallée, Kris Schoneberg, and Francis Lacuna. With an extensive background at BioWare, Inflextion, and Timbre Games, the trio aims to focus on smaller-scale narrative worlds. Additionally, with the support from the Canada Media Fund, the trio has shared a sneak peek of their debut project: a neon-noir supernatural mystery game set in a stylized Canadian cityscape.
With the announcement of the new indie studio, the Producer and Creative Director at Studio Reset, Kaelin Lavallée, has shared: “Studio Reset is smaller by design. We are not trying to recreate blockbuster development at a smaller scale. We want to build original worlds with focus, intention, and a team that can stay close to the work, the creative vision, and the players we are making it for.”
From developing Mass Effect, Dragon Age, The Long Dark, and Anthem, Studio Reset has shared a glimpse of what to expect from their first project. From what we know so far, the upcoming title will combine classic adventure mysteries with modern 3D visuals, multiple investigators, clues waiting to be uncovered, mature themes, and replayability. Additionally, the title will be designed for players who are into mystery, with an odd atmosphere, and thought-out puzzles.
Inspired by the idea of how something can look different depending on the viewer’s viewpoint, Studio Reset uses the Parallax Deduction to approach their narrative mystery design. Alongside collecting clues as an investigator, the Parallax Deduction offers a different perspective to each investigator during a case, informing the player about what they can perceive and what they can believe.
With a key focus on Parallax Deduction, the Design Director at Studio Reset, Kris Schoneberg, shared: “We’re interested in mysteries that trust the player. A good mystery should make you feel clever, not confused. With Parallax Deduction, we want players to understand that perspective is part of the evidence. Who is looking at the case matters, because each investigator brings their own expertise, history, instincts, and blind spots.”
Alongside the Parallax Deduction, Studio Reset uses an idea called “no moon logic” regarding their clue and puzzle design. Rather than uncovering a puzzle solution based on the designers’ thought process, the “no moon logic” pushes players to find the clues by seeking a hidden motive, opening locked paths, or connecting the dots.
As Studio Reset teases their debut title, the Art Director at Studio Reset, Francis Lacuna, said: “We want Studio Reset to be known for games about strange places, hidden stories, and the curious characters compelled to uncover them. Visually, we’re building toward a world that feels beautiful, uneasy, and familiar in the wrong way. The kind of place where the ordinary starts to feel like it is hiding something.”
That’s about everything we know so far about Studio Reset and their debut title. To learn more about the studio and its first projects, fans can visit Studio Reset’s official website.
