# emptyvessel

> emptyvessel is an independent, remote game studio based in Austin, founded by Emanuel Palalic and Garrett Young. Its debut project, DEFECT, is a cyberpunk tactical shooter built in Unreal Engine 5, with single-player, co-op and four-squad competitive modes in development. It pairs experienced developers with a focused production model and publishing support from NC America.

- **Founded:** 2023
- **Headquarters:** Austin, United States
- **Founders:** Emanuel Palalic (Co-founder, CEO and Game Director), Garrett Young (Co-founder, COO and General Manager)
- **Products:** DEFECT
- **Notable:** Public studio announcement on March 12, 2024., DEFECT reveal trailer attracted over 1.9 million YouTube views, reported by June 2025., $11 million cumulative funding announced June 2025.

## Products & services

- **DEFECT** — Unreleased Unreal Engine 5 cyberpunk tactical shooter with announced single-player, co-op and 4v4v4v4 PvP modes. PC store listings are live; console development is planned.

## Achievements

- Public studio announcement on March 12, 2024.
- DEFECT reveal trailer attracted over 1.9 million YouTube views, reported by June 2025.
- $11 million cumulative funding announced June 2025.
- Extended gameplay revealed October 23, 2025.
- NC America global publishing deal announced March 2026.

## Latest updates

- **2025-10** — Two gameplay trailers debuted during the Galaxies Autumn show.
- **2026-01** — NVIDIA announced planned DLSS 4 and Reflex support; Xsens published a production case study.
- **2026-03** — NC America secured global publishing rights to DEFECT.
- **2026-10** — Checked October 5: Steam still lists release date as to be announced.

## Links

- Website: https://www.emptyvessel.io/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emptyvesselplay/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/emptyvesselplay
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emptyvesselplay
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/playdefect.bsky.social
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playdefect/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playdefect/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playdefect

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/emptyvessel
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-05