"We're embracing the opposite approach [to AAA] – a small, experienced team with clear creative ownership and faster decision-making," says studio founder

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."

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