From Animated Commercials to Indie Gaming Success: Ember Lab's Journey

Since its founding in 2009, Ember Lab has evolved from a commercial animation and digital content company to a successful indie game developer. The studio's co-founders, Josh and Michael Grier, attribute their journey to their background in storytelling and their ability to adapt to new mediums. Initially, the brothers focused on creating engaging 60-second stories for commercial clients, which helped them develop their unique style and voice. As they transitioned to game development, they leveraged their VFX expertise and experience with Unreal Engine to create immersive environments and characters. Their 2016 CG short film, 'Majora's Mask - Terrible Fate', a tribute to The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, garnered over 13 million views on YouTube and helped establish the studio's presence in the gaming sphere. With the release of Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Ember Lab caught the attention of Sony, which provided funding and marketing support. The game's success, including its nomination for Best Debut at The Game Awards, has empowered the team to explore new projects and mediums, including linear media and potential expansions of the Kena universe.