The fighting game world buzzed with excitement when MultiVersus burst onto the scene. Featuring a vibrant cast of Warner Bros. icons battling it out, the platform fighter showed incredible promise. Now, two key figures from its development are charting a new course, leaving the arena behind for a venture into the chilling depths of space.
Airlock Games Takes Flight: Fischer and Feldman Launch Independent Studio
Justin Fischer, former production director, and Brock Feldman, former technical director of MultiVersus, have joined forces to establish Airlock Games. This new independent studio signals a significant shift for the experienced developers. Instead of pursuing another AAA title within a major publisher’s ecosystem, they are embracing a different creative vision, one that leans into the unsettling and unknown.
Their decision to go independent speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of game development. Many seasoned developers are seeking greater creative control and the freedom to explore unique concepts outside the constraints of large corporations. Airlock Games aims to embody this spirit, prioritizing innovation and player engagement.
What the Stars Forgot: A Sci-Fi Horror Sim Unlike Any Other
Airlock Games’ debut project, What the Stars Forgot, is a far cry from the cartoonish brawls of MultiVersus. It’s a sci-fi sim management horror game that promises a tense and atmospheric experience. Players will find themselves managing a remote space station, grappling with dwindling resources, technical malfunctions, and the unsettling realization that something is deeply wrong.
The game’s blend of genres is particularly intriguing. The sim management aspects will likely involve resource allocation, crew management, and infrastructure maintenance, creating a constant sense of pressure. The horror elements will then ratchet up the tension, introducing unforeseen threats and forcing players to make difficult choices with potentially devastating consequences. The title itself hints at a narrative steeped in mystery and cosmic dread, leaving players to uncover the secrets the stars have chosen to conceal.
This genre combination is a bold move that could resonate strongly with players seeking unique and challenging experiences. What the Stars Forgot aims to tap into the primal fear of isolation and the unknown, wrapped within the engaging framework of a simulation game. The ambition is clear: to deliver a truly unforgettable and terrifying experience.
Kickstarter Campaign and Early Access Plans: A Community-Focused Approach
Airlock Games is taking a community-focused approach to funding and development. They plan to launch a Kickstarter campaign to generate the necessary backing for What the Stars Forgot. This allows them to engage directly with potential players, gather feedback, and build a community around their project from the very beginning. Kickstarter also allows them to retain full ownership of their IP, something that is becoming increasingly attractive to developers who value creative independence.
Following the Kickstarter campaign, Airlock Games plans to release What the Stars Forgot in Early Access in December. This will provide players with an opportunity to experience the game in its developing stages, offer valuable feedback, and help shape the final product. Early Access is a proven strategy for independent developers, allowing them to refine their games based on player input while also generating excitement and momentum.
By choosing this path, Fischer and Feldman are prioritizing transparency and collaboration. They clearly value the importance of community involvement in shaping their game. This approach not only helps to ensure the quality of What the Stars Forgot but also fosters a strong connection between the developers and their players.
A Bright Future for Airlock Games?
The departure of Justin Fischer and Brock Feldman from MultiVersus to form Airlock Games marks a significant moment in the indie game development scene. While MultiVersus enjoyed a period of popularity (before its temporary removal for improvements and its eventual return), their decision to pursue a vastly different project speaks to a desire for creative freedom and a passion for innovative game design.
What the Stars Forgot presents a compelling vision: a blend of sim management and sci-fi horror that promises a truly unique and terrifying experience. The Kickstarter campaign and Early Access launch demonstrate a commitment to community involvement and a desire to create a game that resonates with players. It remains to be seen whether Airlock Games will achieve its ambitious goals, but the studio’s founding principles, coupled with the talent and experience of its founders, suggest a bright future. Keep an eye on the stars; something truly unsettling may be lurking just beyond our perception.
