Independent studio emptyvessel lit up the Galaxies Autumn Showcase with two new gameplay trailers for its upcoming immersive cyberpunk shooter, DEFECT, available to wishlist now on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com.
The showcase opened with a cinematic gameplay trailer, but fans were treated to an unexpected bonus: an extended five-minute cut introduced by studio founder Emanuel Palalic. The footage dives deep into a tense, neon-lit standoff as The System’s militarized police raid a sprawling apartment complex to wipe out a rogue AI. Things quickly spiral into all-out warfare when a local gang retaliates, leading to a dynamic firefight that leaves the environment in ruins.
Immersive Cyberpunk Combat
The extended trailer highlights one of DEFECT’s most unique mechanics: the ability to hijack consciousness mid-combat, allowing players to swap between bodies, revive teammates, or infiltrate enemy ranks. The feature exemplifies the game’s focus on emergent gameplay, tactical freedom, and destructible environments, all presented without a traditional HUD for full immersion.
Players also got a glimpse of the game’s world, a fractured cyberpunk dystopia ruled by The System, an authoritarian AI enforcing order through inhuman logic. Rival gangs, rogue cops, and rebels fight for dominance in squad-based 4v4 battles, where objectives shift dynamically and no mission plays out the same way twice.
Built by Veterans, Fueled by Chaos
Developed in Unreal Engine 5, DEFECT marks the debut title from emptyvessel, a studio composed of developers with experience on legendary franchises such as DOOM, Call of Duty, and The Last of Us. The game also features an original soundtrack by acclaimed composer Mick Gordon (DOOM Eternal, Prey).
“DEFECT is a HUD-less immersive shooter where any wall can be destroyed and every weapon or gadget changes how you fight,” said Palalic. “We’ve poured ourselves into crafting a world of emergent chaos, reactive systems, and dynamic storytelling — all built to make every encounter feel alive.”
Key Features
- HUD-less Immersion: Experience combat with no distractions and full environmental awareness.
- Dynamic 4v4 Gameplay: Compete or cooperate in chaotic squad-based missions.
- Tactical Destruction: Every wall, floor, and object can be blown apart or weaponized.
- Body Hijacking System: Transfer consciousness between characters mid-fight for new strategic options.
- Reactive Storytelling: Missions and narratives evolve in real time based on player choices.
Wishlist DEFECT now on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com.
