Edmonton indie Studio Reset launches risky, neon-noir mystery game using ex-Bioware talent

Studio Reset, an Edmonton-based indie formed by former Bioware creative director Kaelin Lavallee together with Kris Schoneberg and Francis Lacuna, is set to launch The Eventide, a supernatural mystery game styled as neon-noir and inspired by The X-Files and narrative puzzle titles. Players will select from a roster of investigators, each offering a distinct perspective on unsolved cases, creating a layered storytelling experience.

The venture reflects a broader Canadian trend where veteran developers leave AAA studios to pursue smaller, experimental projects, as highlighted by recent releases from Soft Rains and Peculiar Path. While the indie sector benefits from support such as the Canada Media Fund, it also faces the challenge of gaining visibility without the massive marketing spend of Triple-A publishers, a risk acknowledged by Lavallee. The story underscores the shifting risk calculations in an industry that has shed tens of thousands of jobs since the pandemic boom, with major publishers like Electronic Arts undergoing ownership changes that may trigger further layoffs.