Neon Giant’s Next Venture: A Promising Leap into New Realms
In 2021, the gaming world was captivated by the top-down co-op shooter, The Ascent, which garnered praise for its vibrant cyberpunk setting. Former PC Gamer editor Andy Kelly lauded the game, awarding it an impressive 84% and declaring its world “way cooler than Night City.” Now, the Swedish developer Neon Giant is stirring excitement once again with tantalizing hints about its upcoming project, although details remain scarce.
The new title is set to be a first-person experience, emphasizing “player agency” and creativity. A few intriguing screenshots have emerged, showcasing a world rich with retro technology, hinting at a distinctive aesthetic that diverges from traditional gaming landscapes. The studio describes the project as “ludicrously ambitious,” igniting curiosity about what lies ahead.
Neon Giant, founded by a small team of just over 20 talented individuals, has chosen to maintain its intimate structure. Co-founder Berg articulated the studio’s philosophy, stating, “We didn’t start a studio to run a studio. We started [Neon Giant] because we wanted to make games in a certain way.” This commitment to creative freedom has led them to seek partnerships that provide the necessary resources to elevate their ambitions while ensuring stability.
A key condition of their recent acquisition was the assurance that Neon Giant would not transition into a support studio or take on external assignments. The studio is dedicated to preserving its autonomy, allowing each team member to contribute to the creative vision without the constraints of traditional management hierarchies. Frick emphasized this approach, stating, “This is a studio for people who want to be very involved in the creative and technical aspects.” He further noted that problem-solving is a core expectation, as the team collaborates closely to bring their vision to life.
With over half of the staff having previously held director roles at major studios, including experience on the Wolfenstein series and titles like Bulletstorm and Gears of War: Judgment, Neon Giant boasts a wealth of expertise. While specific details about the new game remain elusive, the creative directors hinted at a focus on crafting a believable and reactive world that offers a more grounded experience compared to The Ascent‘s cyberpunk metropolis. The emphasis on “player agency and creativity” suggests a move toward immersive simulation, a genre that many developers aspire to explore.
As anticipation builds, the gaming community eagerly awaits further revelations from the Swedish studio. While a timeline for additional information remains unannounced, it seems likely that we won’t have to wait long for another update from Neon Giant.
