Independent game development studio Emptyvessel has announced it has raised a total of $11 million in funding to date. The amount includes both a previously secured seed round and a recently completed Series A round. The funding will support the continued development of its debut title, Defect, as well as the growth of the studio’s team and infrastructure. The expansion effort comes as anticipation builds around the game’s development progress and public interest in its future release.

Emptyvessel Raises $11 Million For FPS

$11 Million Raised to Date

The Series A round was led by NCSoft and 1AM Gaming, with additional participation from Black Phoenix Games, Anurup Joseph, and Sebastiaan Hejne. Previous investors Sisu Game Ventures, Raptor Group, and Compute also returned to support the new round. NCSoft, a major name in the games industry, has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Emptyvessel. This includes both an equity investment and the provision of publishing and development resources. As part of this collaboration, Jeonghee Jin, CEO of NC America, has joined Emptyvessel’s board of directors.

According to studio leadership, these partnerships will play a critical role in supporting the game’s development and helping Emptyvessel scale operations. The investment is aimed at building support for console platforms and enhancing the single-player experience in Defect. It will also enable the studio to make strategic hires, improve development infrastructure, and maintain sustainable production practices as the team grows.

Cyberpunk First Person Shoooter

Defect is a cyberpunk-themed, squad-based immersive objective shooter set in a dystopian future where artificial intelligence enforces control through militarized police forces. The game combines single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing players to engage in multi-objective combat scenarios against rogue factions in a city ruled by automation. The game is being developed by a distributed team of experienced developers who have previously worked on well-known franchises such as Doom, Quake, Call of Duty, The Last of Us, and Borderlands.

Emptyvessel currently employs a core team of 14 developers and plans to expand over the next year. The studio is built around a remote work model, with team members based across the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia, and other locations. The studio emphasizes a measured approach to growth, with a focus on creative quality and long-term development sustainability.

The game's early reception has been positive. Its debut trailer has received more than 1.9 million views on YouTube. Development updates have included new screenshots, an overview of the game’s “Meatstack” map, and previews of in-game assets such as the “Crowd Control” weapon. These previews offer a glimpse into the progress being made and the atmosphere the studio is working to create.

Emptyvessel Raises $11 Million For FPS

Studio Vision and Market Position

Emptyvessel is positioning Defect as a title that challenges existing norms in the first-person shooter market. The studio aims to take a calculated, design-forward approach to gameplay and visual storytelling. In an interview with GamesBeat, CEO and game director Emanuel Palalic, said the team remains committed to creating a unique FPS experience through immersive environments and well-developed mechanics.

The studio’s creative direction is also supported by award-winning composer Mick Gordon, known for his work on Doom, Prey, and Borderlands 3. Gordon is developing the soundtrack for both the game and the studio brand, contributing to the game's distinct tone and atmosphere.

Investors have expressed confidence in Emptyvessel’s vision and capabilities. NCSoft has highlighted the studio’s approach to player experience and game design as a core reason for their investment. Similarly, Gregory Milken, managing director at 1AM Gaming, stated the studio’s work represents a fresh approach to the FPS genre. Dan Bunting, venture partner at 1AM Gaming and an early supporter, emphasized the potential of Defect to reshape expectations in the shooter market.

Emptyvessel Raises $11 Million For FPS

Looking Ahead

Defect is currently in development for PC and console platforms. It is available for Wishlisting on both the Steam and Epic Games Store. Emptyvessel plans to share additional gameplay details in the near future. With its new funding, the studio is positioned to advance toward a more complete reveal and eventual launch.

As interest in the game continues to build, Emptyvessel’s development progress reflects broader trends in independent game development, including distributed teams, sustainable production, and growing collaborations with larger industry players. While the studio maintains a deliberate pace, its expansion and funding mark a significant step toward realizing its creative goals.