View source for News/NCsoft Invests in Empty Vessel

{{News
|seo_title=NCsoft Invests in Empty Vessel
|seo_keywords=NCsoft
|image=Ncsoft1.png
|tags=NCsoft
|date=2025-05-06T10:30:14.000Z
|sources={{NewsSource
|source=Games Industry
|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ncsoft-makes-strategic-equity-investment-in-empty-vessel
|article=News/NCsoft Invests in Empty Vessel
}}
|author=Andura
|category=Investments
|content=South Korean gaming giant NCSoft has made a strategic equity investment in Texas-based game developer Empty Vessel, marking the start of a long-term partnership between the two companies. The investment was made through NCSoft's North American subsidiary, NC West, and includes publishing rights to Empty Vessel’s debut title, a first-person shooter called Defect.

“We’re excited to partner with NCSoft,” said Empty Vessel CEO and game director Emanuel Palalic. “From the start, they’ve understood our goal – not just to build a game, but to build a better environment for the developers behind it. NCSoft’s support and expertise will help us take Defect and Empty Vessel to the next level.”

Empty Vessel, founded in March 2024, is led by industry veterans with experience at major studios such as Naughty Dog, Id Software, and Activision. The company is headed by Palalic, with Garrett Young serving as COO and general manager.

'''More:'''[[News/Wildcard Parts Ways with "Grizz" and "SLIGHT"|Wildcard Parts Ways with "Grizz" and "SLIGHT"]]

NCSoft sees the partnership as a strategic move to expand its global IP portfolio and further invest in genre-specific development talent.

“Empty Vessel is an AAA development studio established by game art and sound experts with successful experience and fandom in the global major genre of shooting games,” said NCSoft co-CEO Byung-moo Park. “We will continue to invest in securing new global IPs and building a genre-specific cluster pipeline.”

The deal continues NCSoft’s recent pattern of international investments. In July 2023, the company backed Swedish studio Moon Rover Games with a $3.5 million investment to support new project development.
}}