A Fresh Direction for Industry Veterans
A new independent game development team, Studio Reset, has emerged, founded by a trio of seasoned professionals formerly associated with BioWare. The founders—Kaelin Lavallée, Kris Schoneberg, and Francis Lacuna—bring with them years of experience from major titles, ranging from the original Mass Effect series to Anthem. Rather than chasing the scale of massive AAA blockbusters, the team aims to foster a more intentional and sustainable creative process.
According to Kaelin Lavallée, who is serving as producer and creative director, the studio's size is a deliberate choice: “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.”
Innovative Mechanics in a Canadian Setting
The studio's inaugural project is described as a “neon-noir supernatural mystery,” uniquely situated within a stylized Canadian cityscape. While the specific location remains unconfirmed, the developers are emphasizing a distinct approach to narrative and puzzle-solving:
- Parallax Deduction: This mechanic centers on the idea that every investigator possesses a unique viewpoint, which shapes how players interpret evidence and build their own conclusions based on the character's background and instincts.
- Avoidance of “Moon Logic”: The team is committed to creating fair, logical puzzles. As design director Kris Schoneberg noted, “A good mystery should make you feel clever, not confused.”
“Who is looking at the case matters, because each investigator brings their own expertise, history, instincts, and blind spots,” said Kris Schoneberg regarding the importance of perspective in their gameplay design.
Looking Ahead
While the studio has shared its initial philosophy and high-level design goals, details regarding a release window or the specific title of the game have not yet been revealed. For now, the developers plan to share more updates on their operations and project progress in the coming months via their official website at studioreset.io.
