Thu. Mar 12th, 2026

NCSOFT to Publish Cyberpunk Shooter DEFECT from Former DOOM and The Last of Us Developers

NC America, the Western division of NCSOFT, has announced it will serve as the publisher for DEFECT, an upcoming cyberpunk first-person shooter. The game is currently under development by emptyvessel, a studio co-founded by industry veterans known for their work on acclaimed titles such as DOOM and The Last of Us.

Emanuel Palalik, CEO of emptyvessel, expressed optimism regarding the partnership. He stated that collaborating with NCSOFT would significantly bolster the studio’s efforts to launch DEFECT on a global scale and establish a robust foundation for the game’s single-player campaign.

“In an era where many publishers are moving away from supporting single-player modes, it’s gratifying to see NCSOFT’s trust in what we are creating.”

— Emanuel Palalik, emptyvessel CEO

DEFECT is described as a team-based first-person shooter, with a primary focus on cooperative multiplayer. However, the game will also feature a comprehensive single-player mode, ensuring a complete experience for those who prefer to play solo.

By Artemius Grimthorne

Artemius Grimthorne Independent journalist based in Manchester, covering the intersection of technology and society. Over seven years investigating cyber threats, scientific breakthroughs and their impact on daily life. Started as a technical consultant before transitioning to journalism, specializing in digital security investigations.

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