Ember Lab: From Animation to Indie Gaming Success

Since its inception in 2009, Ember Lab has evolved from a commercial animation and digital content company to a successful indie game developer, with the release of Kena: Bridge of Spirits marking a significant milestone. The studio's co-founders, Josh and Michael Grier, attribute their success to their background in filmmaking and visual effects, as well as their experience in creating brand mascots. The brothers' passion for storytelling and original content led them to explore the world of gaming, where they could leverage their skills to create immersive experiences. Their commercial work, including small mobile games for advertising campaigns, laid the groundwork for their foray into game development. Ember Lab's style, characterized by stylized CG characters in realistically lit environments, was shaped by their commercial projects. The studio's decision to enter the gaming industry was influenced by the availability of Unreal Engine 4, which provided an artist-friendly platform for game development. The Grier brothers' strategic approach to game development involved creating a pitchable process, which they had honed through their experience in film and animation. This enabled them to secure funding and marketing support from Sony, leading to the game's announcement at the PlayStation Future of Gaming stream in 2020. Kena: Bridge of Spirits received critical acclaim, with many comparing it to PS2-era platformers. The studio viewed this as a compliment, as they had intentionally aimed to create a charming and nostalgic experience. The game's success can be attributed to the team's ability to balance their vision with the expertise of external developers, resulting in a unique mechanic and an engaging storyline. The transition from an ad agency to a game development studio posed significant challenges, particularly in terms of communication. The team had to adapt to a more complex project with a larger team, requiring a more structured approach to communication and project management. Despite these challenges, Ember Lab has achieved success with Kena, breaking even within a month of release and winning Best Debut at The Game Awards. The studio is now driven to create an even better experience with their next project, which may or may not be a game. The brothers are conscious of creating something manageable in scope, taking into account their current pace of life and their desire to create an experience that is both digestible and enjoyable. As filmmakers by trade, Josh and Michael Grier are open to exploring linear media and other opportunities, with the goal of creating immersive experiences that resonate with their audience. The success of Kena has opened up new possibilities for Ember Lab, and the studio is eager to take on new challenges and push the boundaries of interactive storytelling.