New Studio Multiplayer Shooter Project – Ex-Borderlands Devs Go Indie
A new indie studio, Ruckus Games, has entered the gaming scene, and they’re working on an ambitious project: a new studio multiplayer shooter project led by former Borderlands and Elder Scrolls Online creative director Paul Sage. With a unique gameplay vision and some heavy industry talent behind it, this upcoming title promises excitement and innovation in the multiplayer shooter genre.
Ruckus Games: A Studio Packed with Talent
Ruckus Games is no ordinary indie startup. The studio’s core team includes veterans from Gearbox, Riot Games, Blizzard, Epic Games, and Monolith. Among them is Scott Kester, who helped transform the gritty look of Borderlands into the iconic, colorful graphic novel style that defines the series today. This experienced team brings both creative vision and industry expertise to Ruckus, making their new studio multiplayer shooter project one to watch.
In the initial announcement, Ruckus Games teased some intriguing details about the new game. Set in a heartland American town under attack, players will “smash, grab, and grow” as they fight to defend their hometown. This community-centered story combines high-energy action with quirky, destructible environments, aiming to create a fresh and fun shooter experience.
Unique Gameplay Elements and Weapons
Customizable Arsenal and Playable Characters
One of the most exciting aspects of this new studio multiplayer shooter project is the weapon customization. Ruckus promises a vast array of “makeshift” weapon combinations. For example, players can wield a toaster that fires saw blades or a power washer repurposed into a flamethrower. This creativity with weapon mods brings an element of surprise and fun, setting the game apart from traditional shooters.
The game will also feature a large roster of playable characters, each bringing unique skills and personalities. As players progress, they’ll be able to take back rescued NPCs to a centralized hub called “Hometown.” Here, players can customize and upgrade their abilities, enhance weapons, and build resources, creating a stronger base for more thrilling rounds of chaotic fun.
A Focus on Community Feedback
Ruckus Games plans to take a “community-centric development process” approach, meaning they will gather player feedback early and often. “We want games where people have fun from the get-go,” said Paul Sage. This focus on direct feedback allows players to shape the game’s direction, an approach that resonates well in today’s gaming industry, where player interaction is key.
By prioritizing the community’s voice, Ruckus aims to build a game that players will truly enjoy. This collaborative approach could bring something fresh to the multiplayer shooter genre, as the studio looks to break away from recycled gameplay mechanics.
Ambitious Funding and Bold Vision
$19 Million in Secured Funding
Ruckus Games has also received $19 million in funding to bring this project to life. Investors were reportedly impressed after just 20 minutes of playing a vertical slice demo of the game, a promising sign of the project’s potential. With this financial backing, the studio can fully focus on developing the new studio multiplayer shooter project without constraints, giving them the freedom to innovate.
While some indie studios struggle with budget limitations, Ruckus Games is stepping onto the field with a strong financial foundation. This support gives the team a great advantage as they work to create a memorable experience for players. The enthusiasm from investors, based on a short gameplay demo, highlights the project’s potential impact.
An Indie Studio with Big Ambitions
Ruckus Games was founded by seven developers who believe that big-budget studios often play it safe with recycled mechanics. According to the studio, “the industry is willing to take risks on huge budgets but unwilling to take risks on new gameplay and experiences for players.” This bold statement underscores Ruckus’s mission to bring something genuinely fresh to the multiplayer shooter genre.
Their focus on innovation, combined with their collective experience in top-tier studios, positions them uniquely in the indie space. This blend of bold ideas and seasoned development promises a title that could break new ground.
The Road Ahead for Ruckus Games
Drawing Inspiration and Avoiding Pitfalls
With the gaming community eager for new experiences, this new studio multiplayer shooter project could hit the right marks if it balances creativity with solid mechanics. Although the game lacks an official title and gameplay footage, the early details suggest a game that draws inspiration from the team’s AAA backgrounds while avoiding the typical pitfalls seen in recent releases.
Given the comparisons some have made to games like Redfall, there’s hope that Ruckus can avoid similar setbacks. The studio’s commitment to community feedback and its focus on player enjoyment from the start could help ensure a smoother launch.
Anticipation Builds for New Multiplayer Shooter
With its blend of imaginative weaponry, an engaging community-centric approach, and a talented team, Ruckus Games’ new studio multiplayer shooter project could be one of the most exciting indie releases to watch. While it’s still early in development, the unique gameplay elements and innovative direction promise an experience that could appeal to a wide audience.
As development progresses, Ruckus Games will likely share more details, and the community will get a closer look at what this game has to offer. For fans of multiplayer shooters and creative gameplay, this project is shaping up to be an intriguing addition to the genre.