Neon Giant's Latest Venture: No Law, a Cyberpunk Masterpiece with a Dash of Nostalgia
The unveiling of No Law, a cutting-edge open-world shooter, has left a lasting impression, particularly with its protagonist, Grey Harker, sporting an impressive moustache. According to Arcade Berg, co-founder and creative director at Neon Giant, the character's distinctive upper lip foliage was a deliberate design choice from the outset, drawing inspiration from iconic, moustachioed men of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Initially, Harker was designed with a more rounded physique, but this was later toned down in response to feedback. The moustache, however, remains a defining feature, setting the game apart in a crowded market. Tor Frick, co-founder and creative director, highlights the studio's focus on crafting a unique, high-fidelity cyberpunk world, blending dense, gritty environments with a touch of flair. The 'cybergrunge' city of Port Desire is a prime example, with its intriguing blend of dark alleyways and towering skyscrapers. Players will have the freedom to choose between stealth and all-out action, with their decisions influencing the outcome of the game. While the cyberpunk genre is currently saturated, Neon Giant is confident in its ability to deliver a distinctive gaming experience, building on the success of their 2021 hit, The Ascent. The studio's decision to retain a small team of 30-40 core members has allowed them to maintain a lean, agile approach to game development, focusing on their passion for creating immersive, engaging worlds. By keeping their team small, Neon Giant can adapt quickly to changing circumstances, avoiding the bureaucratic red tape that often accompanies larger studios. The use of Unreal Engine 5 has also been instrumental in helping the studio achieve its ambitious goals, allowing them to push the boundaries of what is possible in game design. As an independent studio, Neon Giant has the freedom to control the scope of their game, making decisions that prioritize the player's experience above all else. Although the studio was acquired by Krafton in 2022, Berg emphasizes that Neon Giant operates independently, with the publisher handling the business side of things, allowing the studio to focus on what they do best: making games. The 'AI-first' approach adopted by Krafton has not impacted Neon Giant's development process, with the studio continuing to forge its own path, driven by a passion for creating unique, captivating gaming experiences.