A group of veteran developers behind titles such as Mass Effect, Dragon Age, The Long Dark, and Anthem have announced the formation of Studio Reset, a new Canadian independent game studio based in Edmonton.
Founded by Kaelin Lavallée, Kris Schoneberg, and Francis Lacuna, Studio Reset is taking a different approach, embracing a smaller scale and focusing on original IPs to create meaningful and intentional experiences over large-scale productions. “We are not trying to recreate blockbuster development at a smaller scale.” said Kaelin Lavallée, Producer and Creative Director at the studio. “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.”
Their debut project is still in early development, but they have offered a glimpse: a neon-noir supernatural character-led mystery built around Parallax Deduction. The game features three-dimensional visuals and multiple investigators while also tackling mature themes in a strange and atmospheric story. “We’re interested in mysteries that trust the player,” said Kris Schoneberg, Design Director. “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.” No title or release window has been announced yet.
Studio Reset’s creation is part of a broader shift we’ve seen in the game industry over the last few years. Between widespread layoffs, extended production cycles, and mounting pressure from executives over sales targets, many veteran developers have found themselves adventuring into the indie space. Games created from smaller teams, such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 or Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, both sold more than one million copies within days of release, demonstrating an appetite for the projects these independent teams can create without the constraints of corporate oversight.
Supported by the Canada Media Fund, Studio Reset officially has Instagram, Discord, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube for those who want to follow its development journey.
