Studio Reset Unveils Neon-Noir Mystery Game from Ex-BioWare Team
A fresh face in the indie gaming scene has emerged: Studio Reset, a Canadian developer founded by former BioWare, Inflexion Games, and Timbre Games talent. The Edmonton-based studio was established by Kaelin Lavallée, Kris Schoneberg, and Francis Lacuna, who collectively boast credits on iconic titles like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Anthem, and The Long Dark. Their mission? To craft smaller-scale original projects with a sustainable development model that stands apart from the blockbuster mentality.
Studio Reset has lifted the veil on its debut project, a neon-noir supernatural mystery set against the backdrop of a stylized Canadian city. Currently in the early development phase, the game is being backed by the Canada Media Fund. One of its standout features is a unique mechanic dubbed "Parallax Deduction." This system allows multiple investigators to contribute varying perspectives on a case, making each character's viewpoint a crucial part of the mystery-solving journey. Each investigator will bring distinct expertise, biases, and interpretations to the clues, enriching the narrative experience.
The studio aims to adhere to a "no moon logic" philosophy, emphasizing that puzzle solutions should stem from keen observation and logical reasoning rather than the frustrating trial-and-error often seen in traditional adventure games. Kaelin Lavallée, the Producer and Creative Director, expressed the studio's vision: "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."
Why it matters
Design Director Kris Schoneberg added, "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." With this approach, Studio Reset is poised to deliver a fresh take on the mystery genre.
Original source
Noisy Pixel
