After launching Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced in June, Ubisoft eliminated 51 positions at its Barcelona studio. Now, a group of former employees, led by Myles Kerwin, has established Dark Ritual Studios.
Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Kerwin says that working at a large organisation like Ubisoft showed “how difficult it can be to stay agile.”
By launching an independent studio, the team aims to remain “small enough that ideas can move quickly from discussion to implementation.”
“Our experience across Ubisoft Barcelona and other studios reinforced a belief that has been growing for a while: great games don’t necessarily require enormous teams,” he says. “AAA development has become incredibly complex. Large productions inevitably involve many layers of coordination, and that can slow creative decision-making.”
He adds: “At Dark Ritual Studios, we’re embracing the opposite approach – a small, experienced team with clear creative ownership, faster decision-making, and a focus on craftsmanship over scale.”
Based in Barcelona, Dark Ritual Studios has secured funding to complete its first game, the dark fantasy Puzzle Mage, set for PC release in 2027.
The title recently surpassed 1,000 wishlists on Steam, which Kerwin describes as a “nice early milestone” that “suggests the concept is resonating with players.”
Kerwin states that while the studio is not currently seeking additional investment, it is “evaluating whether self-publishing or partnering with a publisher is the right long-term strategy.”
This decision is further complicated by broader uncertainties in the gaming industry, for which Kerwin acknowledges there is no simple answer.
“That’s the challenge every studio is facing today,” he says. “Our strategy is to keep our team lean, our scope realistic, and our budgets under control. That gives us more flexibility and reduces the pressure that comes with very large productions.
“While the industry has certainly seen difficult times, we’re also seeing many independent studios build successful, sustainable businesses by focusing on well-executed games with clear identities. That’s the model we’re aiming for.”
Kerwin believes the studio and its debut title will stand out by creating authentic games that resonate with players.
“The response from early playtests has been extremely encouraging, particularly around the spell-casting system, which players consistently mention as a highlight,” he notes. “Our goal isn’t to chase trends – it’s to build a game we’re genuinely passionate about.”