NCSoft invests in TX-based studio founded by id, Naughty Dog alums
The investment is aimed at helping the studio bring its first game, Defect, to the finish line.
NCSoft announced a strategic equity investment in Emptyvessel, a new studio staffed by veterans from heavy hitters like Activision, Naughty Dog, id Software, Disney and more, to help bring its cyberpunk tactical shooter Defect to market. It's the latest investment in the Korean publisher's increasingly global portfolio, discussed at length in our interview with CEO of NC America Jeonghee Jin.
"We started working on Defect with a simple belief, that great games come from focused, passionate teams who are empowered to take creative risks,” said Emptyvessel Game Director Emanuel Palalic in a press release. "That's why we're excited to partner with NCSoft. From the start, they’ve understood our goal, not just to build a game, but to build a better environment for the developers behind it. NCSoft’s support and expertise will help us take Defect and Empty Vessel to the next level."
NCSoft's North American subsidiary NC West headed up the investment, described as a long term partnership, with terms for publishing rights and other "cooperation plans."
NCSoft is expanding its global portfolio
This is the latest development in NCSoft's strategy to go global with partnerships, which also includes developers as diverse as Korean-based Mistil Games and Vic Game Studios, Virtual Alchemy in Poland, and Moon Rover Games in Sweden.
Emptyvessel itself broke cover in March 2024.