Emptyvessel, an independent game studio, has raised $11 million in funding to accelerate development of its debut cyberpunk FPS game, Defect.
The funding includes a previously closed seed round and a recent Series A round, led by NCSoft and 1AM Gaming. The studio plans to expand its team, strengthen platform support, and build long-term infrastructure as excitement grows around its first major title.
The Series A round brought in support from NCSoft, 1AM Gaming, and other investors such as Black Phoenix Games, Anurup Joseph, and Sebastiaan Hejne. Previous backers like Sisu Game Ventures and Raptor Group also returned. NCSoft’s involvement goes beyond funding, providing development support and publishing expertise. Jeonghee Jin, CEO of NC America, has joined Emptyvessel’s board, signaling strong collaboration ahead.
Defect: A New Approach to Cyberpunk Shooters
Defect is set in a dystopian future where AI-controlled forces dominate society. The game mixes single-player and multiplayer modes, with players taking on missions in a city ruled by automation. Designed as a squad-based, objective-driven shooter, Defect aims to bring fresh gameplay mechanics and an immersive world to the FPS genre.
The game is being developed by a globally distributed team with veterans from top franchises like Call of Duty, The Last of Us, Doom, and Borderlands. The studio currently has 14 core developers and is planning to grow gradually over the next year.
Creative Vision and Technical Focus
Led by CEO and game director Emanuel Palalic, Emptyvessel is taking a design-first approach to game development. The studio emphasizes high creative standards, stable growth, and long-term production efficiency. Award-winning composer Mick Gordon, known for his work on Doom and Prey, is crafting the game’s soundtrack, contributing to its gritty and intense tone.
Defect’s early footage has drawn attention, with its debut trailer surpassing 1.9 million views on YouTube. Community updates have showcased maps like “Meatstack” and in-game assets such as the “Crowd Control” weapon, building anticipation among players.