Former MultiVersus directors Justin Fischer and Brock Feldman have taken the plunge, parting ways with Player First Games to launch their own independent game studio, Airlock Games. The pair's decision marks a notable shift in approach from the AAA development route they were previously on, instead opting for an agile strategy that promises a new level of creative control.
Their first project under Airlock is a sci-fi sim management horror game titled "What the Stars Forgot," which will be crowdfunded through Kickstarter before its early access launch in December. This grassroots approach offers the team a unique chance to bypass traditional funding channels and connect directly with fans, potentially allowing for more innovative storytelling and gameplay mechanics.
Fischer and Feldman's departure from Player First Games comes at a time when several high-profile game projects have been cancelled or put on hold due to financial constraints. As the industry continues to grapple with the aftermath of layoffs and cost-cutting measures, it's no surprise that talented developers like these two former MultiVersus leaders are seeking more autonomy.
Their move towards independence could be a harbinger for a new wave of indie game development, where developers can take risks on smaller projects without being tied to the bottom line. By doing so, Airlock Games and Fischer and Feldman aim to carve out their own niche in the market, one that prioritizes creative freedom and community engagement over traditional studio politics.
For fans of sci-fi horror games, "What the Stars Forgot" promises to deliver a thrilling experience that blends management sim gameplay with intense survival horror elements. As Airlock Games looks to build its reputation as an independent developer, this project could prove to be a critical test of their mettle – and potentially a game-changer in the process.
Their first project under Airlock is a sci-fi sim management horror game titled "What the Stars Forgot," which will be crowdfunded through Kickstarter before its early access launch in December. This grassroots approach offers the team a unique chance to bypass traditional funding channels and connect directly with fans, potentially allowing for more innovative storytelling and gameplay mechanics.
Fischer and Feldman's departure from Player First Games comes at a time when several high-profile game projects have been cancelled or put on hold due to financial constraints. As the industry continues to grapple with the aftermath of layoffs and cost-cutting measures, it's no surprise that talented developers like these two former MultiVersus leaders are seeking more autonomy.
Their move towards independence could be a harbinger for a new wave of indie game development, where developers can take risks on smaller projects without being tied to the bottom line. By doing so, Airlock Games and Fischer and Feldman aim to carve out their own niche in the market, one that prioritizes creative freedom and community engagement over traditional studio politics.
For fans of sci-fi horror games, "What the Stars Forgot" promises to deliver a thrilling experience that blends management sim gameplay with intense survival horror elements. As Airlock Games looks to build its reputation as an independent developer, this project could prove to be a critical test of their mettle – and potentially a game-changer in the process.
what's gonna happen to all the fans who loved their work? anyway, I kinda get it tho, it's like they're saying "screw the traditional way of doing things" and making a game that's actually for themselves not some watered down AAA stuff 
but how's this airlock thing gonna pan out? they're taking all this risk with just one game lol
sounds like a solid plan to me, indie dev life is the way to go! crowdfunding on kickstarter is always cool, let's hope it gets enough cash for those sci-fi horror vibes 
it's scary but kinda cool at the same time? i'm curious to see if they can pull off this grassroots approach and make something amazing out of it 
i feel like we've been missing out on so much creative potential in the gaming industry lately... it's refreshing to see Justin and Brock taking matters into their own hands and creating something that truly reflects their vision 
"What the Stars Forgot" sounds incredibly intriguing - I'm already hyped for its release! 
crowdfunded projects like this can really bring a sense of community and ownership, so fingers crossed it all comes together beautifully 
