Neon Giant: Why a Smaller Team Makes Bigger Games Better

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Swedish game studio Neon Giant is diligently creating its upcoming title, currently known as Project Impact, a first-person game. Their debut project, The Ascent, an isometric twin-stick action RPG, was released in 2021 and garnered significant popularity. The success of this game, coupled with the studio’s acquisition by Krafton in 2022, has fueled Neon Giant’s growth not only in size but also in ambition.

Neon Giant’s Creative Director Tor Frick recently shared insights about their studio’s development journey with Game Rant. He emphasized the significance of having the right team members, particularly in a smaller setup, which offers numerous benefits. As they move forward with Project Impact, Frick and his colleagues aim to leverage these advantages effectively, making sure that this upcoming project is a significant leap in scale and ambition compared to their previous work on The Ascent.

Neon Giant Has Doubled in Size Since It Started Out

Following Neon Giant’s establishment in 2018, the team responsible for creating “The Ascent” was relatively small, comprising around 11 individuals. This led to a situation where most roles within the studio were handled by a single person, which could pose difficulties when someone was away or indisposed. Fortunately, Neon Giant’s acquisition by Krafton has allowed for growth, alleviating these issues. Frick elaborated on this expansion, stating that…

Initially, we were at 20. Now, we’ve doubled our numbers! That means we essentially have two sets of each team member, as a precautionary measure if someone falls ill. This significantly enhances our operations. While everyone here thrives under pressure, it’s strategically unwise to operate without any backup plans. As a highly ambitious organization, we aim for flexibility in our projects. To achieve this, having the right people on board is crucial.

Tor Frick on The Advantages of Working With a Smaller Team

As a devoted fan, I appreciate the nimbleness of Neon Giant, a modest studio compared to industry giants. While some might view this size as a setback, for me, it’s a blessing. The smaller scale allows for swift decision-making, fewer layers of approval, and the courage to take risks that would be daunting in larger studios with hefty budgets. In their own words, Neon Giant’s compact structure offers them unique advantages.

Since our team is smaller, we possess greater agility and flexibility. This allows us to venture into more daring creative territories, respond swiftly to changes, and adapt quickly compared to larger productions. With this advantage, we aim to create something that carries a touch of creative risk. One of the key benefits of being a small team is our ability to solve problems rapidly. Furthermore, because fewer individuals are involved in discussions, complex ideas can be developed without requiring extensive meetings.

It’s clear that the future is promising for Neon Giant and their project, Project Impact, which Frick confirmed as a first-person shooter game immersed in a dynamic, Cyberpunk-themed futuristic landscape. Although many team members come from AAA gaming backgrounds, it appears they’re appreciating the independence and creative liberty that Neon Giant offers them. Keep your eyes peeled for additional updates on Project Impact in the coming months.

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2025-04-17 19:10