New Studio Ricochet: A Fresh Approach to AAA Gaming (2026)

The gaming industry is abuzz with the announcement of a new studio, Ricochet Games, founded by veterans of the AAA scene. This studio, led by Sébastien Caisse, Pierre-André Déry, Maxime Babin, and Yanick Piché, aims to carve its own path in the industry, creating original games on their terms.

A New Venture

Ricochet Games is an ambitious project, born out of the desire to create something unique and memorable. With a focus on original intellectual property (IP) and a commitment to bold creative vision, the studio wants to leave a mark on the gaming landscape. Their first project, a co-op action-adventure game, is designed to appeal to a global audience, offering a fun and shareable experience with a distinct artistic twist.

Learning from the Past

The founders of Ricochet Games bring a wealth of experience from their time at Gearbox Quebec and other major franchises. They've seen the industry from the inside, and they're taking a different approach to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other veteran-led studios.

"We've observed that many veteran-led studios struggled due to operating at a large scale before fully proving their concept," Déry explains. "We're taking a more cautious route, starting small, keeping overhead low, and ensuring creative ownership. We want to prove our vision first and then grow organically."

A Unique Vision

What makes Ricochet Games particularly fascinating is their self-funded approach. By choosing to remain independent, at least for now, they've eliminated external pressures and mandates. This gives them the freedom to make decisions based on their creative vision, without the constraints of publishers or investors.

"No publisher mandate, no investor timeline, no external pressure during the earliest creative phase," Déry says. "It allows us to shape the foundation of our game and studio without interference."

Inspired by the Best

The studio draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources. They look to independent teams like Arrowhead, Remedy, and Sabotage, who have crafted incredible experiences while maintaining their unique identities. On the creative side, they cite the world-building of Studio Ghibli, the craftsmanship of Denis Villeneuve, and the boldness of FromSoftware.

"We want to create something that feels like a labor of love, a game that resonates with players on a deeper level," Babin adds. "A premium co-op action-adventure with strong world-building and a distinct artistic vision is our goal."

A New Chapter

Ricochet Games is an exciting development in the gaming industry. With their experienced leadership, unique vision, and commitment to creative freedom, they have the potential to make a significant impact. Their first title will be a true test of their abilities, and I, for one, am eager to see what they come up with. It's a brave new world for these veterans, and I believe their fresh approach could inspire a new generation of game developers.