Former Call Of Duty Developers Announce DEFECT

Highlights

Gaming industry veteran-led independent studio, emptyvessel, announces DEFECT.
Game announcement has received an exclusively positive reception from fans.
Studio’s focus on an original game led by experienced developers aims to combat the trend of remakes and sequels in the industry.

As a seasoned gamer with decades under my belt, I’ve seen the evolution of gaming from pixelated 8-bit marvels to photo-realistic masterpieces. The latest announcement by the indie studio Emptyvessel, DEFECT, has certainly piqued my interest.

A freshly established video game company called Emptyvessel unveiled their latest project titled DEFECT, which is a squad-based multiplayer first-person shooter set in the cyberpunk universe.

Although it was created by former Call of Duty and Doom developers, this game isn’t just about mindlessly running and shooting. Instead, it focuses on strategic combat and goal-oriented gameplay within a cyberpunk setting, so don’t expect endless chaos in this dystopian landscape.

As a fan of their past creations, I’ve been thrilled by the overwhelmingly favorable response from fellow gamers about the upcoming announcement of this game on X.

As per the studio’s statement, the game titled DEFECT will offer both cooperative (co-op) and player versus player (PVP) modes. In these modes, teams of four players will select a faction to join and engage in combat for dominance over what remains as the last city of mankind. This city is ruled by an authoritarian artificial intelligence known as THE SYSTEM, which employs an illogical yet unyielding authority.

Initially, the trailer seemed to lack detailed strategy and clear goals set to Mick Gordon’s captivating beats. However, I’ve learned that the complete game is said to offer “a variety of objectives leading to different conclusions,” similar to the dynamic gameplay found in both Overwatch and Rainbow Six Siege.

As a fan, I can’t wait to step into the shoes of a crooked law enforcement officer or a ruthless street gang member, where my actions involve illicit gun trafficking, taking out targeted enemies, and apprehending suspicious characters.

The game is being constructed with Unreal Engine 5, which means you can anticipate battling in ultra-realistic cyberpunk environments such as alleyways, corridors, buildings, and beyond. Plus, since Emanuel Palalic, the former art director of Doom and Quake Champion, serves as Emptyvessel’s CEO, it’s a given that the visuals will be top-notch.

Currently, DEFECT has no release date and is slated for a PC Steam-only release.

From Triple-A to Plucky Indie Devs

The studio’s focus on a completely original game is no coincidence, as CEO Palalic’s motto for the company is “With Creative Independence Comes Greatness.”

Emptyvessel prioritizes their freedom, as they’ve discovered it by distancing themselves from the constraints imposed by large corporations, which often suppressed their creative ideas in pursuit of profits.

Garrett Young, one of the co-founders, has voiced concerns about the current state of expensive video games, stating that the industry stands at a pivotal point where business and creativity intersect. His sentiments resonate as gamers have expressed dissatisfaction with the prevalence of remakes, remasters, and sequels, leading to layoffs and an increased commercialization of gaming content.

Boasting a team primarily composed of developers who have worked on blockbuster triple-A games such as Doom, The Last of Us, Wolfenstein, Tomb Raider, and the Batman Arkham series, it’s reasonable to believe that they can deliver an engaging experience within DEFECT’s world, despite their relatively smaller scale.

Although DEFECT appears to be a top-quality game from an indie studio, it remains uncertain if it will attract a vibrant community of players or become forgotten.

However, Mick Gordon’s music and the game’s art direction are worth hours of gameplay alone.

2024-08-16 12:08

Highlights

From Triple-A to Plucky Indie Devs

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