From Cancelled Brawlers to Independent Adventures
In an unexpected twist of fate that could rival the plot of a mediocre action movie, the masterminds behind the now-defunct brawler that dared to challenge the kingdom of Smash Bros, have decided to break free and form their own indie game studio. Cue the dramatic music, please!
Introducing Airlock Games: A New Hope… for Indie Game Lovers
Enter Airlock Games, a self-funded wonderland where dreamers Justin Fischer and Brock Feldman are set to sprinkle their pixie dust on the world of gaming. With a resume boasting titles like Disney Infinity (remember that one?) and Medal of Honor, these two are taking their know-how and saying goodbye to the glitzy chaos of triple-A productions.
Small Games, Big Dreams
Imagine a world where gaming doesn’t require the budget of a small nation. That’s exactly what Airlock Games aims to achieve! Their grand mission? To whip up smaller games “as efficiently as possible,” a brave response to the dizzying complexity of those massive, overly ambitious AAA titles that sometimes feel more like a 500-page instruction manual than an enjoyable experience.
What The Stars Forgot: A Game That Will Make You Wonder
The gem that is their debut title, What the Stars Forgot, is not just any game; it’s a “sim management horror game inspired by Star Trek and The Terror.” Yes, that’s right. Who knew managing chaos among the stars could be both eerie and whimsical? With charming 16-bit graphics that scream nostalgia, this game is set to float into Steam early access later this year. And if that wasn’t enough, it’s also available for financial cheerleading on Kickstarter!
Creativity Unleashed
Feldman and Fischer have commented on the exhilarating leap into indie development. They’ve braved the raging seas of AAA game production but found themselves yearning for that sweet, sweet creative freedom only smaller projects can provide. It’s like going from a luxury cruise ship to a whimsical dinghy, but hey, the winds of creativity are never steady!
“It’s a space where we can focus on providing new experiences that interest us both as players and developers,” they noted, probably while sipping artisanal coffee and brainstorming wild ideas. “We’re so excited to have the freedom to take creative risks, push boundaries, and tell stories that just aren’t feasible for AAA productions.”
A Brief Glance Back at MultiVersus
But before diving headfirst into the indie soup, let’s explore the bittersweet last chapter of their previous endeavor. The online servers for that ambitious Smash Bros contender closed their virtual doors in May, marking the end of Warner Bros.’ crossover dream.
MultiVersus initially soared to great heights, with a peak of 153,433 players flocking to the game like moths to a flame back in July 2022. However, much like the lifespan of a soap bubble, that popularity popped rather quickly, leading to an almost year-long hiatus.
Following a comeback in May 2024, players returned (all 114,000 of them) in droves, only to watch the player base dwindle again. Warner Bros. even had the audacity to criticize it for—get this—underperforming. Because what’s more fun than critically dissecting a project they had already shipped to the stars?
The Future is Bright… or at Least Interesting
As Airlock Games embarks on its journey, one can’t help but feel a bit of excitement mixed with curiosity. Will the duo transform the way games are made? Will players embrace their quirky new creation, or will it sit alongside that weird board game you bought at a yard sale? Only time will tell. But it’s safe to say that this indie duo is ready to grasp the adventure with both hands—and maybe a sprinkle of magic!
