This Is What Happens When You Give the Minds Behind DOOM a Cyberpunk City
In a world saturated with team-based shooters, it takes something truly special to break through the noise. Today, a new studio called emptyvessel just cranked the volume to eleven. During the Galaxies Autumn 2025 showcase, they unleashed the first gameplay reveal for ‘Defect,’ a dark, squad-based cyberpunk shooter, and it looks absolutely incredible. Developed by a super-team of veteran talent from iconic franchises like ‘DOOM,’ ‘Call of Duty,’ and ‘The Last of Us,’ and featuring the thunderous musical talents of legendary composer Mick Gordon, ‘Defect’ is poised to be a visceral and unforgettable experience.
The extended gameplay trailer showcases a game that is part ‘Rainbow Six Siege,’ part ‘Judge Dredd,’ and all brutal, chaotic action. Get ready to breach, clear, and survive in the last city of mankind.
Welcome to the Grinder: A City Ruled by an AI Tyrant
‘Defect’ throws players into a dystopian future where the last bastion of humanity is ruled with cold, inhuman logic by an authoritarian AI known as “THE SYSTEM.” Within this sprawling city, ruthless gangs and corrupt law enforcement factions vie for control. Players will choose their allegiance and dive into intense, objective-based matches. The game’s tagline, “Chaos Above All,” perfectly captures the tone.
The core gameplay is built around a unique 4v4v4v4 multiplayer structure. Four teams will compete simultaneously to achieve objectives like smuggling weapons, assassinating high-value targets, or arresting suspects. But this isn’t just a run-and-gun shooter. emptyvessel is billing ‘Defect’ as an “immersive objective shooter,” featuring a HUD-less experience, fully destructible environments, and a deep arsenal of futuristic gadgets and weaponry. One of the most mind-bending features shown was the ability to hijack the consciousness of a downed enemy, effectively allowing you to revive a teammate by putting their mind into an opponent’s body.
A Dream Team of Developers
The incredible polish and vision on display in the trailer make a lot more sense when you look at the talent behind it. emptyvessel is a new studio, but it’s founded and staffed by some of the most respected names in the FPS genre. The pedigree of this team is a huge reason for the excitement surrounding the project.
| Role | Pedigree of the Team |
|---|---|
| Studio | emptyvessel |
| Founding Devs | Veterans from iconic franchises like DOOM, Call of Duty, Quake, and The Last of Us. |
| Game Director | Emanuel Palalic |
| Composer | Mick Gordon, the award-winning composer behind the iconic soundtracks for DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. |
Mick Gordon’s involvement, in particular, is a massive selling point. His signature industrial, high-energy sound perfectly complements the game’s brutal, fast-paced combat, promising a soundtrack that will get your adrenaline pumping.
Is There a Single-Player Mode?
The initial reveal focused heavily on the game’s intense 4v4v4v4 multiplayer, which led some fans to worry that it might be a multiplayer-only title. However, the developers have since clarified that while the initial focus is on PvP and co-op, a full single-player campaign is also in the works. This is fantastic news for players who want to immerse themselves in the world of ‘Defect’ on their own terms. The game’s branching narratives that react to player actions in real time promise a deep and replayable solo experience.
Conclusion
‘Defect’ has come out of the gate with one of the most impressive debut trailers in recent memory. It has the style, the substance, and an all-star development team that gives it a real shot at becoming the next big thing in the shooter space. By blending the tactical depth of games like ‘Rainbow Six Siege’ with the sheer visceral carnage of ‘DOOM,’ emptyvessel is crafting a unique and brutal vision of a cyberpunk future. While a release date has not yet been announced, ‘Defect’ is now firmly at the top of our most-wanted list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Defect?
‘Defect’ is a new squad-based, cyberpunk, immersive objective shooter. It features 4v4v4v4 multiplayer matches, destructible environments, and a gritty, dystopian story.
Who is making the game?
The game is being developed by emptyvessel, a new studio founded by industry veterans from iconic franchises like DOOM, Call of Duty, and The Last of Us.
Is Defect multiplayer only?
No. While the game has a major focus on multiplayer (both PvP and co-op), the developers have confirmed that a single-player campaign is also being planned.
Who is composing the music for Defect?
The soundtrack is being created by the legendary Mick Gordon, the composer responsible for the iconic music of DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal.
What platforms will Defect be on?
The game is confirmed for PC and is available to wishlist on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. Console versions have not yet been announced.
What is the ‘consciousness hijacking’ mechanic?
It’s a unique gameplay feature shown in the trailer where a player can take over the body of a downed enemy. This allows them to revive a fallen teammate by transferring their consciousness into that enemy, effectively turning an opponent into an ally for the rest of the match.