Today marks the launch of emptyvessel, a new independent AAA games studio that is committed to “creating high-quality, meaningful games that feel great to play” and counts veteran developers from top gaming companies, including id Software, Naughty Dog, and Activision, among its staff. Emptyvessel’s first project is an Unreal Engine 5 shooter, one that is inspired by film, graphic novels, and games set in dystopian sci-fi worlds.
Key employees include:
…CEO and Game Director, Emanuel Palalic, and COO and General Manager, Garrett Young. While both served in critical roles at id Software they bonded over the desire to create an environment where developers have the freedom to explore new ideas. Joining Palalic and Young on the studio’s foundational team are CTO Wei Ning , Art Director Alex Palma, Animation Director Rico Flores, and more. emptyvessel is based in Austin, Texas, but operates fully remote with its staff located worldwide – United States, Australia and Europe, to suit the personal needs of each team member.
Quotes from the top:
- Emanuel Palalic
- “Many game developers like myself began our journey fueled by the dream of one day bringing our worlds to life.”
- “By prioritizing and aligning with our strengths, we’re confident it’s possible to create AAA-quality games with smaller, focused teams.”
- “The industry has often overlooked the people who pour their hearts and souls into crafting these worlds. With emptyvessel, we’re determined to change that narrative and make that dream a reality for as many developers as we can.”
- Garrett Young
- “Our industry is at a crossroads between business and talent. At emptyvessel, we take a Developer-First approach to our direction and execution.”
- “We understand every innovation in this industry has been led by a developer taking a risk — every new IP, every billion-dollar franchise. Gaming’s next massive hit can come from anywhere.”
A peek at what emptyvessel’s games might look like:
About emptyvessel:
Comprised of world-class developers who have worked on iconic franchises including DOOM, Quake, Call of Duty, Last of Us, Borderlands, Tomb Raider, Uncharted, Callisto Protocol, and more, the studio aims to share its specialty in the immersive shooter space with its first unannounced title.
A developer-founded, developer-first studio, emptyvessel is driven by its mission to make top-quality games and its passion for taking risks to create new refreshing types of entertainment experiences. emptyvessel aims to break from the traditional business models and work together towards a common vision of a future powered by people and creativity, where the industry is moved forward by teams of great game makers. The studio’s approach is to create a space to foster the innovation of a nimble, core team of AAA-level talent while empowering them to create high-quality IPs with more attainable scope.