BioWare vets ignore AAA rules for next mystery game

Neon-Noir Mystery: How Indie Veterans Are Cultivating Supernatural Worlds

In an industry often dominated by large, risk-averse studios, a new indie company is charting a course toward the uncanny: Studio Reset. This group of developers, boasting pedigree from major RPG franchises like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, is preparing to unleash The Eventide, a supernatural mystery game that promises a visual aesthetic as unique as it is unsettling.

The vision driving this project is not just another game; it’s a deliberate pursuit of creative freedom. Studio Reset founders Kaelin Lavallee, Francis Lacuna, and Kris Schoneberg argue that being independent allows them to take creative risks that larger corporations simply cannot afford. “We can cultivate the misty X Files vibes we are aiming for,” says creative director Kaelin Lavallee. “There is a little bit more risk aversion in the larger companies, and that often leads to less imaginative results.”

The resulting game, described as a blend of supernatural mystery and detective work, leans into a striking visual style. The press release frames it as neon-noir, where players act as investigators assigned to a growing backlog of unexplained incidents scattered across a grungy but vibrant Canadian city.

Players won’t simply be following a linear path; they will embody multiple agents, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to the investigation. One might take on former detective Sam “Brass” Hingle, requiring social discretion, while another could utilize the unconventional biology of cryptozoologist Evelyn “Eve” Atwood to tackle the strange cases.

The gameplay system is designed to mirror the ambiguity inherent in true mystery. It relies on agent-driven investigation, fixed-camera 3D exploration, and a word-based deduction system, prompting players to grapple with redacted truths and the uncomfortable space between what happened and what people are able to understand.

Art director Francis Lacuna emphasizes how important it is to prioritize aesthetic vision over commercial safety. He notes that the desired painterly visual effect—the smudgy, atmospheric look of the world—is something that simply does not exist in the AAA space, but flourishes in the indie world.

This philosophy extends to their approach to development. Lavallee asserts that while larger companies can throw money at a problem, the most fun and creative results come from a team that prioritizes artistic direction above all else. For Studio Reset, the power lies in trusting their vision and refusing to compromise on the unique atmosphere they are cultivating.

Ultimately, The Eventide positions itself as an opportunity for genuine artistic expression—a chance to explore the mystical and the noir through a lens that prioritizes mood and narrative complexity over mere spectacle. It is a testament to the power of independent creators to redefine what the boundaries of gaming can be.