Today, NC America, the Western publishing division of NCSOFT, announced that it will publish the upcoming cyberpunk shooter game DEFECT. NCSOFT had previously invested (alongside other companies) directly into emptyvessel, an independent studio unveiled two years ago by CEO/Game Director Emanuel Palalic and COO/General Manager Garrett Young, both of whom had previously worked at id Software on the Doom franchise.
Emptyvessel set an impressive pace, revealing DEFECT in August 2024 and showing its first stunning gameplay in October 2025. To go along with today's news, Emanuel Palalic, CEO of emptyvessel, said in a statement:
This new partnership with NCSOFT really locks in our goal of bringing DEFECT to the world alongside a strong ally. NC’s support and guidance are helping us build a strong foundation for DEFECT’s single-player experience. In an era where many publishers have been moving away from supporting single-player in games, it’s refreshing to have NCSOFT’s support and trust in what we’re building.
Jeonghee “JJ” Jin, CEO of NC America and COO of NC West/Arenanet, added:
We’ve worked closely with the core team at emptyvessel from the very start to make the jump from early cash-injections to signing on as publisher. We’re thrilled with the partnership agreement. We strongly believe DEFECT’s intense gameplay shows great promise against today’s tough FPS landscape.
The game is set in a bleak future where only one megacity remains, ruled by "The System", an all-seeing AI that enforces control with terrifying efficiency. Beneath the flickering lights and crumbling towers, rogue gangs fight back in chaotic clashes across the city's sectors.
The developers described it as a HUD-less, immersive shooter inspired by SWAT and Ready or Not, in which any wall can be destroyed, gadgets and tools completely redefine how you approach combat, and every weapon or ammo type affects the world and enemies in unique ways. Players choose from various factions, including The System's policing force, rogue Police elements, or various gangs, and compete to complete objectives like smuggling guns, assassinating targets, or arresting suspects. DEFECT features an offline single-player mode, a co-op/PvE mode, and a unique 4v4v4v4 PvP mode where each team enters with its own mission, and these missions can intersect dynamically depending on what unfolds in the world.
The soundtrack will be handled by legendary composer Mick Gordon, who's left a significant mark on many recent shooters, including Atomic Heart and the rebooted Wolfenstein and Doom titles. You can wishlist the game on Steam or the Epic Games Store.
About the author: With over two decades of experience in gaming journalism, Alessio Palumbo has led the gaming vertical at Wccftech since August 2015. He started working at a young age for Italian websites like Everyeye.it, Gamestar.it, Nextgame.it, and Multiplayer.it before kickstarting the indie English-language publication Worlds Factory as its founder and Editor in Chief. In the last decade, he has coordinated the overall output of Wccftech's gaming section, managed PR relations, assigned reviews, produced daily news coverage, edited gaming content as needed, and delivered game reviews. Arguably, his trademark content is the long series of exclusive developer interviews that have been cited by Wikipedia and by the biggest news media and gaming publications. His passion for technology also makes him knowledgeable when it comes to gaming hardware and tech. His favorite genres include RPGs, MMORPGs, and action/adventure games.
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