“Don’t build a studio that requires a massive hit to survive” – Veteran BioWare devs form Studio Reset
Studio Reset, a new Canadian indie studio, has been founded by three veteran developers from BioWare and other established studios. Creative director Kaelin Lavallée, design director Kris Schoneberg, and art director Francis Lacuna bring extensive AAA experience from acclaimed titles including the Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises, as well as Anthem and The Long Dark.
The studio is developing a neon-noir supernatural mystery game set in a stylized Canadian cityscape as its debut project. The unique premise combines atmospheric supernatural elements with noir aesthetics in a distinctly Canadian visual setting.
Studio Reset has secured CAD $250,000 in early funding from Canada’s Media Fund (CMF) through its Interactive Digital Media Prototyping program, with the studio selected as one of 31 recipients. The team emphasizes a philosophy of sustainability and original IP development, positioning the studio to avoid the pressure of requiring a massive commercial hit to survive—a common challenge for independent developers transitioning from AAA studios.
The founders’ approach focuses on staged funding and measured growth, leveraging their combined experience to build a sustainable business model while pursuing creative ambitions with original intellectual property rather than licensing established franchises.