Veteran Developers Launch New Indie Studios
Experienced game creators from major studios are establishing new independent companies. These ventures aim to focus on craftsmanship and original intellectual property. Several new studios have already secured initial funding and are preparing their first titles.
Coverage across 2 outlets
Former Ubisoft Barcelona devs launch Dark Ritual Studios
Former employees of Ubisoft Barcelona have launched a new independent studio called Dark Ritual Studios, aiming to create immersive indie games. The studio is led by Myles Kerwin, former expert level designer at Ubisoft, and has secured funding for its first title, Puzzle Mage, slated for release in 2027. This move follows proposed layoffs and restructuring at Ubisoft Barcelona.
Former Ubisoft Barcelona workers launch Dark Ritual Studios, an indie developer focused on "craftsmanship over scale"
Former Ubisoft Barcelona employees have launched Dark Ritual Studios, an independent game development company focused on "craftsmanship over scale." Led by Myles Kerwin, the studio aims for agility and creative ownership, contrasting with large AAA productions. Their first game, the dark fantasy puzzle title Puzzle Mage, is set for a 2027 PC release and has already garnered over 1,000 Steam wishlists.
nDreams founder launches new studio Atmospheric to create "original IP across games and music"
Patrick O'Luanaigh, founder of VR studio nDreams, has launched a new independent entertainment company called Atmospheric. The studio aims to create original intellectual property across games and music, exploring innovative ways to integrate audio and narrative into immersive worlds. O'Luanaigh, who stepped down as CEO of nDreams in May 2025, is currently the sole employee and is self-funding the venture, with plans to seek a publishing partner next year.
Former Housemarque game director launches Cosmic Division
Former Returnal game director Harry Krueger has founded a new studio called Cosmic Division in Helsinki. The studio will focus on craftsmanship and sustainable growth, prioritizing a gameplay-first single-player experience for PC and consoles. Krueger previously spent 15 years at Housemarque, contributing to games like Nex Machina and Resogun before directing Returnal.
Former Housemarque game director launches new studio Cosmic Division
Former Housemarque game director Harry Krueger has launched a new independent studio named Cosmic Division. The Finnish studio aims to develop a new single-player intellectual property for PC and consoles, emphasizing a gameplay-first experience and emotional storytelling. Cosmic Division has secured seed financing and is actively hiring to build a compact team.
