Giant Skull is the name of a new video game studio led by veteran Stig Asmussen, one of the architects of the Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order games. (huge skull)
Like the rest of the technology industry, video game studios have experienced a lot of turmoil this year. Several publishers have announced job cuts, while others have said they will refocus their approach. That means there’s a lot of talent out there, and in these uncertain times, two studios popped up this week boasting some big names and hints of promising AAA projects.
The giant skull and empty vessel have an impressive pedigree. Giant Skull is led by Stig Asmussen, who recently directed the “Star Wars: His Jedi” title. Both are great games. He also previously worked on “God of War II” and “God of War III” at Santa Monica Studios.
“Giant Skull’s studio culture is built on creativity and curiosity,” Asmussen, who is also Giant Skull’s CEO, said in a news release. “We’ve assembled a talented team known for immersive storytelling, heroic combat, and exhilarating traversal. Our goal is to create games that players will want to immerse themselves in for years to come. It’s about creating a prosperous world.”
Talented members of the team also include John Carr, who worked with Amussen on “Jedi: Survivor” as technical director. Patrick Murphy, an art director who also has ties to the head of the studio, and Brian Campbell, a founding member of the Fortnite team.
The first game will be a single-player action-adventure title using Unreal Engine 5. If Amussen’s previous work is any indication, it promises to be another epic title filled with big moments and solid level design as well.
Emptyvessel, located in Austin, Texas, also boasts a highly qualified team. They have developers who worked on DOOM, Quake, Call of Duty, The Last of Us, Borderlands, Tomb Raider, Uncharted, and Callisto Protocol. Veteran game director and CEO Emanuel Palalic and general manager and COO Garrett Young have played key roles at id Software, along with CTO Wei Ning, art director Alex Palam, and animation director Rico Flores. He and others have experience working on recent blockbuster titles.
“Many game developers like me began our journey with a dream of one day bringing the world to life,” Paralick said in a news release. “We believe that by prioritizing and aligning our strengths, even small, focused teams can create AAA quality games. With emptyvessel, we are determined to change that narrative and make that dream a reality for as many developers as possible.”
It’s worth noting that although emptyvessel is based in Texas, it operates completely remotely, with staff located all over the world. Los Angeles-based Giant Skull also has remote staff.
Emptyvessel said in a news release that it is working on an unannounced project that “leverages the experience of being in an immersive shooting space.” Powered by Unreal Engine 5, it takes inspiration from the world of dystopian science fiction.
