MultiVersus Directors Launch Airlock Games, Hint Sci-Fi Project
In a significant move for the games industry, two key directors behind the smash-hit platform fighter MultiVersus have announced the formation of a new, independent development studio. Justin Fischer, former Production Director, and Brock Feldman, former Technical Director on the Warner Bros. title, have co-founded Airlock Games. The venture is confirmed to be completely self-funded, signaling a bold new chapter for the veteran developers as they move beyond the world of AAA publishing.
This news arrives after a period of transition for their most recent project. MultiVersus concluded its widely popular open beta phase in June 2023, with developer Player First Games taking the title offline to prepare for its full launch scheduled for early 2024. Now, Fischer and Feldman are charting their own course, leveraging decades of combined experience to build new worlds from the ground up.
Who Are the Minds Behind Airlock Games?
The leadership of Airlock Games represents a wealth of experience from some of the most recognizable projects in recent gaming history. Justin Fischer and Brock Feldman are not newcomers to building successful, large-scale games. Their partnership is a reunion of talent that has previously shaped major franchises.
- Justin Fischer (Co-founder): As Production Director on MultiVersus, Fischer was instrumental in guiding the project's development, managing the complex pipeline required to bring dozens of iconic characters from different Warner Bros. properties together into a cohesive and fun experience.
- Brock Feldman (Co-founder): Serving as Technical Director, Feldman was responsible for the underlying technology and engineering that made the game's fast-paced, online-focused gameplay possible. His technical oversight was crucial to the game's performance and stability during its beta run.
Before their work on the crossover brawler, the duo's résumés boast an impressive list of shared credits. They were both key figures in the development of the successful Disney Infinity series, a toys-to-life franchise that blended physical collectibles with expansive in-game worlds. Their experience there, which also involved managing a massive roster of beloved intellectual properties, undoubtedly provided a strong foundation for their work on MultiVersus.
Furthermore, their careers include contributions to other major series, including the legendary first-person shooter franchise Medal of Honor. This diverse background, spanning from family-friendly adventure games to gritty military shooters, showcases a versatility that will be invaluable as they embark on their independent journey with Airlock Games.
From AAA Brawlers to Independent Ambition
The decision to launch a self-funded studio marks a deliberate pivot away from the traditional AAA development model. While working with major publishers like WB Games and Disney offers immense resources and marketing power, it often comes with creative constraints and massive team sizes. By self-funding Airlock Games, Fischer and Feldman are embracing complete creative control over their future projects.
This move suggests a focus on creating games that are more personal and focused in scope. The "indie" path allows the veteran developers to be more agile, to experiment with new ideas, and to build a company culture that reflects their own values and vision. While the financial risks are higher without publisher backing, the potential reward is the freedom to create without compromise.
This transition from directing massive, multi-million dollar projects to fostering a new independent studio is a trend seen across the industry, as seasoned developers seek to return to a more hands-on, creative-first approach to game-making. For gamers, this often results in unique and innovative titles that might not fit the mold of a major blockbuster release.
What We Know About Airlock Games' First Project
While the studio is still in its early days, initial announcements have already provided a tantalizing glimpse into what Fischer and Feldman are building. The studio's social media presence has hinted at a project codenamed or titled AJAX. This first look points towards a significant departure from the cartoonish, lighthearted aesthetic of MultiVersus and Disney Infinity.
The name "Airlock Games" itself, combined with the "AJAX" project name, strongly evokes a science fiction theme. This suggests the team is trading fantastical brawls for deep space, futuristic technology, or otherworldly exploration. While specific gameplay details remain under wraps, the choice of genre indicates the studio's ambition to tackle new creative challenges and build an original universe. Fans of the founders' previous work will be eager to see how their knack for polished gameplay and robust technical design translates to a sci-fi setting.
The Legacy of MultiVersus and What Comes Next
The story of MultiVersus is a unique one. After launching its open beta in July 2022, it became an instant phenomenon, attracting over 20 million players in its first month. The game was praised for its solid mechanics, diverse roster, and free-to-play model.
The decision to take the game offline in 2023 was not a cancellation, but a strategic move to allow the remaining team at Player First Games to refine existing systems, add new content, and prepare the infrastructure for a more sustainable and feature-complete official launch. The expertise that Fischer and Feldman brought to that initial, successful beta run is undeniable. They proved they understand how to create a game with mass appeal and the technical backbone to support it.
As the full launch of MultiVersus approaches, it will be fascinating to watch two parallel stories unfold: the relaunch of a beloved brawler and the rise of a new studio from two of its principal architects. With Airlock Games, Justin Fischer and Brock Feldman are poised to make their next major mark on the industry, this time entirely on their own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who founded Airlock Games?
A: Airlock Games was co-founded by Justin Fischer and Brock Feldman, who previously served as the Production Director and Technical Director, respectively, for the platform fighter MultiVersus.
Q: What other games have the founders of Airlock Games worked on?
A: Besides MultiVersus, the duo's shared credits include the popular Disney Infinity series. Their extensive careers also include work on other major franchises like Medal of Honor.
Q: Is Airlock Games making another game like MultiVersus?
A: Early information suggests their first project will be a significant departure. Codenamed or titled AJAX, the game appears to have a science fiction theme, moving away from the crossover platform fighter genre.
Q: What happened to the game MultiVersus?
A: MultiVersus was not canceled. Its successful open beta was concluded in June 2023 to allow the development team to work on a more polished and content-rich full version, which is planned for release in early 2024.