emptyvessel Expands DEFECT Game Development with Series A Close

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Independent games studio emptyvessel today announced the close of its initial Series A, which in addition to an earlier undisclosed seed round, puts the total raised amount at $11 million. The new funds will fuel ongoing development of the studio's inaugural title, DEFECT and expansion of the team. The Series A lead investors include NCSOFT and 1AM Gaming, along with Black Phoenix Games, Anurup Joseph, and Sebastiaan Hejne as well as initial investors Sisu Game Ventures, Raptor Group, and Compute, reflecting confidence in DEFECT 's development and fan enthusiasm. The game's debut trailer has attracted over 1.9M views on YouTube and work continues to progress towards a future gameplay reveal.
'We remain committed to our vision of creating a new genre in the FPS market with DEFECT... this new investment allows us to accelerate our plans for proper single-player support and to expand onto more platforms,' said Emanuel Palalic, CEO, emptyvessel.
The investment will enable emptyvessel to scale for console development and single-player support of DEFECT alongside enhancing studio infrastructure, with the strategic alliances of like-minded industry experts and resources. NCSOFT reflects a long term partnership offering additional support across a myriad of aspects spanning equity investment, publishing resources and NC America CEO Jeonghee Jin (JJ) joining the emptyvessel board of directors.
Emptyvessel is focused on taking calculated risks with art and design that deliver on high-quality, immersive gameplay experiences. The process in which DEFECT is being developed reflects the team's passion and spirited approach to navigating the industry as an independent game studio. Composed of world-class developers who have worked on iconic franchises including DOOM, Quake, Call of Duty, Last of Us, and Borderlands, the studio has built a remote work model around worldwide talent based in the US, Australia, Europe, Japan, and elsewhere. Currently a core team of 14, emptyvessel plans to grow by recruiting new hires in the next year with sustainable game development practices being a priority alongside game quality and innovations.
DEFECT is a cyberpunk, squad-based, Immersive Objective Shooter set in a dystopian world, where AI controls the city with fearsome police forces. Players will battle rogue gang factions in intense multi-objective face-offs in immersive single player and multiplayer modes. Award-winning composer Mick Gordon (DOOM, Borderlands 3, Prey) will create soundscapes for the studio and game. Select new screenshots of the map 'Meatstack', environmental updates and a new weapon called 'Crowd Control' show the game's current development progress.
'It's gratifying to see our developer-first approach resonating with fans and our new long term partners at NCSOFT alongside our other investors,' said Emanuel Palalic, CEO and Game Director, emptyvessel. 'We remain committed to our vision of creating a new genre in the FPS market with DEFECT, and while we are building in a sustainable manner, this new investment will allow us to accelerate our plans for proper single-player support and to expand onto more platforms.'
"Emptyvessel's distinct vision for game design, production, and player interaction made us quick believers in their upcoming shooter, DEFECT. We're committed to the evolution and future of this incredible game," said Jeonghee "JJ" Jin, CEO, NC America, COO, NC West.
'We believe that emptyvessel is a unique studio working on an amazing game, so we are thrilled to join them as a key investor as they work towards bringing a fresh perspective for first person shooter games with DEFECT,' said Gregory Milken, Managing Director of 1AM Gaming.
DEFECT is in development for PC and console, and is currently available for Wishlisting on Steam and Epic Games Store with more game details to be shared in the not so distant future. Fans can visit the official game website, and follow the game on Facebook, Instagram and X. For more information about emptyvessel visit the studio's official website and follow them on X, LinkedIn and YouTube.
About emptyvessel
emptyvessel is an independent game development studio with a specialty in the immersive shooter space that believes in a simple ethos: with creative independence comes greatness. The team at emptyvessel comprises world-class developers with over 100 years of combined experience who have held critical roles at Activision, Crystal Dynamics, Disney, Gearbox Software, id Software, Microsoft, Naughty Dog, Tripwire Interactive, and more. Currently in development, DEFECT is a new game IP that aims to deliver a unique Immersive Objective Shooter experience. From the creative minds of emptyvessel comes a cyberpunk, squad-based shooter set in a future besieged by omnipresent AI, criminal warfare, and rogue law enforcement. Based in Austin, Texas, the studio operates fully remote with development talent located worldwide in locations across the US, Australia, Europe, and Japan. For further information, visit https://www.emptyvessel.io.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Business Wire

2 hours ago

• Business Wire

U-Haul Offers Disaster Relief After Derecho Hits North Dakota, Minnesota

FARGO, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U-Haul ® is extending 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box ® container usage at seven centers across eastern North Dakota and northern Minnesota to residents affected by tornadoes that left a wide path of destruction Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday. U-Haul is extending 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container usage at seven centers in North Dakota and Minnesota to residents impacted by the derecho. Share A derecho with winds exceeding 100 mph moved across numerous counties in both states, damaging properties and leaving thousands without power. There were multiple tornado sightings throughout the fast-moving storm system. Enderlin, N.D., located southwest of Fargo, and Bemidji, Minn., were among the communities hardest hit. Access to dry and secure self-storage and portable storage containers can be vital to communities during the clean-up and recovery process after natural disasters. The 30 days free offer applies to new self-storage and U-Box rentals and is based on availability. The U-Box offer is for on-site storage at Company centers, and for customers who tow their portable storage container. U-Box delivery and pick-up is also available for a modest cost. People seeking more information on the disaster relief program or needing to arrange storage services can contact the nearest participating U-Haul facility: NORTH DAKOTA U-Haul Moving & Storage of 13th Ave. 4901 13th Ave S. Fargo, ND 58103 (701) 205-3260 U-Haul Moving & Storage of Fargo 1436 Main Ave. Fargo, ND 58103 (701) 293-5256 U-Haul Moving & Storage of Osgood 5200 Veterans Blvd. Fargo, ND 58104 (701) 492-8900 U-Haul Storage of Fargo 610 42nd St. N. Fargo, ND 58102 (701) 639-7714 MINNESOTA U-Haul Moving & Storage of Moorhead 50 County Road 9 Dilworth, MN 56529 (218) 303-1480 U-Haul Storage of Nisswa 4745 County Road 77 Nisswa, MN 56468 (218) 963-5106 U-Haul Storage North Baxter 15237 Edgewood Dr. Brainerd, MN 56401 (218) 297-3018 In addition to its 30 days free self-storage disaster relief program, U-Haul is proud to be at the forefront of aiding communities in times of need as an official American Red Cross Disaster Responder. About U-HAUL Celebrating our 80th anniversary in 2025, U-Haul is the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers with more than 24,000 rental locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The U-Haul app makes it easy for customers to use U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 to access trucks anytime through the self-dispatch and -return options on their smartphones with our patented Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to 193,900 trucks, 138,200 trailers and 40,300 towing devices. U-Haul is the third largest self-storage operator in North America and offers 1,060,000 rentable storage units and 92.0 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities. U-Haul is the top retailer of propane in the U.S. and the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. Get the U-Haul app from the App Store or Google Play.

USA Today

6 hours ago

• USA Today

Is Philly water ice the same as Italian ice? No, and here's why

Philly-style water ice makes a great 7th inning treat – Photo courtesy of Catherine Smith This article, originally published in June 2019, was updated in June 2025. Fans of the podcast "Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce" recently discovered another 'uniquely Philly' passion of Kelce's: water ice. 'WTF is water ice? Are we talking about snow cones?' asked YouTube viewer @treysullivan9248. Kelce, like any true Philadelphian, aggressively but understandably, clarified: 'No, Trey! We are not talking about snow cones!' Advertisement Kelce — media personality, podcast host, and wife of retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce — went on to say that water ice is a Philadelphia summer staple that's basically frozen sugar water. "You can't go wrong with it,' she said. What is Philly-style water ice? Philly kids love their Philadelphia water ice – Photo courtesy of Catherine Smith Most similar to a fresh fruit slushie, water ice has been Philadelphia's favorite summer treat for generations. Each spring, as the weather starts to warm up and hint at summer, we celebrate with our favorite seasonal treat. Moms line up with their kids at their favorite water ice stands. Excited children study the freezer full of colorful tubs. One asks, "Can I have strawberry on the bottom and mango on top?' T​​he teenager behind the counter happily obliges, filling the bottom half of the ​​plastic cup with an icy strawberry mixture and topping it off with another pale-yellow scoop. Advertisement While Philadelphians have been enjoying water ice for generations, the consumption of ice and fruit combinations goes back a couple of thousand years to ancient Sicily (and can be traced even further back to Asia, Persia, and Mesopotamia). To beat the summer heat, according to food historian Liz Williams, ancient Sicilians devised creative means to both refresh and delight. Long before the invention of coolers and refrigeration, the people of Sicily were ingeniously experimenting with ice. Runners were sent up the almost 11,000-foot Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, to collect snow and ice that could be combined with lemons, limes, and other fresh fruits to create a cool and refreshing summer treat. Over the years, Sicilians mastered a method of storing the ice in caverns beneath the volcano before transporting it to other parts of Italy. As they did so, the practice of mixing ice and fruit, known as granita, spread throughout Italy. Different regions developed their own versions of the fruit and ice combination, as well as sorbets and gelato. Fast forward some 2,000 years to the early 1900s, at the peak of Italian immigration to the United States. Approximately 2 million Italians immigrated here at that time, the majority coming from Southern Italy with hopes of escaping the intense poverty back home. Advertisement Men and women looked for creative ways — like peddling granita — to make money while establishing themselves and seeking employment. Just as the different regions of Italy developed different versions of granita over the years, American cities with high concentrations of Italians, especially Sicilians, began developing their versions. How do you serve Philadelphia water ice? Traditional water ice (pronounced "wooder ice" with the local accent) is made with three simple ingredients: fresh fruit, sugar and water. While it was once made by hand, today the ingredients are combined in a metal, cylindrical machine. A mixer inside the metal barrel rotates and scrapes the edges as the mixture begins to freeze and stick to the walls. After reaching the correct consistency, the water ice is transferred into tubs and served up fresh. Where is Philadelphia water ice made? Enjoy a refreshing treat at John's Water Ice – Photo courtesy of Kae Lani Palmisano As water ice has grown in popularity, new stands and mass-produced water ice franchises have popped up. Kids especially love Rita's Water Ice, a chain now available in over 30 states. Two of Philadelphia's most beloved water ice stands are John's Water Ice and Pop's Homemade Water Ice. John Cardullo, founder of John's Water Ice, owned a diner in the heart of South Philly's Italian Market neighborhood and often served water ice as a dessert. In 1945, as the water ice grew in popularity, he decided to close the diner, turn it into office space for his heating repair company, and open a simple water ice stand next door. Advertisement The two seasonal businesses provided Cardullo with steady income in both winter and summer. John's Water Ice still operates out of this original location on Christian Street, with a second location in Huntingdon Valley. Filippo Italiano of Pop's Homemade Water Ice sold his homemade Italian water ice from a cart he pushed around the neighborhood. As word of his refreshing treat spread, children and families began lining up outside his garage waiting for him to open. Since he lived across the street from an urban park, Italiano realized he was well-known enough to quit lugging his heavy cart around in the heat and let people come to him instead. In 1932, he converted his garage into a storefront. Decades later, his grandchildren still serve water ice out of this same location. Advertisement If you're visiting Philadelphia, head over to one of the mom-and-pop stands where you know you'll be met with the tastiest and most authentic Philadelphia water ice experience. Just be prepared, as many are cash only. John's is easily walkable from the Liberty Bell and Center City, while Pop's is located right off the Broad Street Line subway, a perfect place to stop before or after a Phillies game.

Business Upturn

11 hours ago

• Business Upturn

Is ‘Bloodhounds' returning for season 2? Everything we know so far

Ever since Bloodhounds dropped on Netflix in June 2023, fans have been hooked on its intense action and the unbreakable bond between its leads. The big question on everyone's mind: Is Bloodhounds Season 2 actually happening? Let's dive into the latest updates, from confirmation details to what the next chapter might hold. Is Bloodhounds Season 2 Confirmed? Good news, fans! Netflix gave Bloodhounds Season 2 the go-ahead on January 16, 2025. The announcement hit social media with a teaser clip on YouTube featuring stars Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi, sparking a frenzy online. Production is already rolling, with filming kicking off in September 2024 and the cast gathering for a script reading in early 2025. It's safe to say the show's coming back with a punch Bloodhounds Season 2 Release Date Speculation No official release date yet, but let's piece together the clues. Filming started last September and is expected to wrap by spring 2025. The first season took about a year and a half from filming to release, so we're looking at late 2025—maybe November or December—or possibly early 2026. Some buzz on X hints at a summer 2025 drop, but that feels ambitious given the timeline. Bloodhounds Season 2 Plot: What to Expect Season 1 followed Kim Gun-woo and Hong Woo-jin, two former marines and boxers, as they teamed up with a benevolent moneylender to dismantle a ruthless loan shark ring led by Myeong-gil. The season ended with their victory, but unresolved dark forces set the stage for new challenges. Season 2 will see Gun-woo and Woo-jin reunite to take down a global illegal underground boxing league led by Baek-jeong. According to Netflix, Baek-jeong uses his overwhelming power to lure Gun-woo into the dark world of underground fighting, promising high-stakes action and emotional depth. The plot is expected to expand on the webtoon Bloodhounds by Jeong Chan, focusing on the duo's fight for justice while navigating new allies and enemies. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at