NC America Partners with emptyvessel to Publish Cyberpunk FPS DEFECT
On March 11 2026 NC America officially announced a publishing agreement with independent studio emptyvessel for their upcoming tactical shooter DEFECT. The developer requires this partnership to obtain essential resources which they need to complete work on the multiplayer system and the newly revealed single player section of the game. NC America will manage worldwide game distribution across various gaming systems.
Emptyvessel established its Austin Texas base in 2023 through the leadership of industry veterans Emanuel Palalic and Garrett Young who serve as CEO and COO respectively. The development team consists of creators with over a century of combined experience at major studios who developed flagship franchises together with their work on
- DOOM and Quake: Influencing the fast paced high intensity combat loops.
- Call of Duty: Bringing expertise in polished competitive multiplayer systems.
- The Last of Us: Informing the narrative depth and atmosphere of the single player experience.
The game modes support both PvP and Single Player experiences as part of their gameplay framework. DEFECT is a team based objective driven first person shooter set in a dystopian future. The game introduces a distinct playing experience through its innovative squad organization system and its combination of different gameplay methods which enable players to experience both dedicated and flexible fighting approaches.
Competitive matches feature a 4v4v4v4 format where four squads compete simultaneously in close quarter urban environments. Players can explore the game world through an offline mode which lets them discover its lore while practicing with the game’s advanced weaponry and technology. The combat system centers around players using advanced gadgets and controlling their movements throughout the destroyed cyberpunk city.
The game world presents a crumbling city which exists under control of an artificial intelligence named THE SYSTEM which serves as both a mysterious and contentious force. The story centers on the battle between runaway police forces and organized criminal groups who fight to dominate city territories. Players navigate this world using a variety of experimental weapons and advanced equipment designed for objective based warfare.
The partnership with NC America guarantees a multi platform launch for the game although the developers have not yet announced a specific release date. DEFECT has reached the wishlisting stage on these digital storefronts
- Steam
- Epic Games Store
- GOG
emptyvessel plans to enhance the competitive FPS environment through NC America based publishing by developing competitive FPS content which features tactical gameplay with small teams and AAA production quality.
