Neon Giant's Vision for No Law: A Unique Cyberpunk Experience

The unveiling of No Law, a cyberpunk-fueled open-world shooter, at The Game Awards has sparked curiosity about the game's distinctive protagonist, Grey Harker, and his notable moustache. According to Arcade Berg, co-founder and creative director at Neon Giant, the character's design was influenced by iconic, moustached men from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Initially, Harker was designed with a more rounded physique, but feedback led to a leaner version. The moustache, however, remained a defining feature, setting the game apart in a crowded market. Tor Frick, also co-founder and creative director, emphasizes the studio's focus on crafting a dense, high-fidelity cyberpunk world with a unique flair, differentiating No Law from other games in the genre. The game's 'cybergrunge' city, Port Desire, and Harker's ability to engage in intense combat, including booting enemies off rooftops, are notable features. Players will have the freedom to choose between stealth and action, with decisions influencing alternative outcomes. Despite the abundance of cyberpunk-themed titles, Neon Giant is committed to the genre, having found success with their 2021 game, The Ascent. The studio's passion for cyberpunk stems from its ability to tell engaging stories, balancing grounded and fantastical elements. No Law's world, while more grounded than The Ascent, features a mix of vegetation, rocks, and wood, creating an immersive environment. The game's design is reminiscent of 80s action heroes, with a 'comfort food feeling' and tongue-in-cheek humor, citing influences like Judge Dredd and Robocop. Neon Giant's approach to technology is characterized by a focus on tactility, with 'chunky weapons' and 'chunky gadgets,' and an emphasis on tangible, rather than futuristic, elements. The studio's ability to maintain a small team, around 30-40 people, has allowed them to keep risks low and adapt quickly to changes. By avoiding unnecessary expansion, Neon Giant can focus on game development, rather than managing a large team. The studio's use of technology, such as Unreal Engine 5, and their passion for game development, enable them to be ambitious while keeping their team size small. As an independent studio, Neon Giant can control the scope of their games, cutting features or entire chunks of the game world if necessary. Although acquired by Krafton in 2022, the studio operates independently, with the publisher handling business aspects, allowing Neon Giant to focus on game development. Krafton's 'AI-first' approach has not affected Neon Giant's development process, with the studio proud of its independent approach to game creation.