DEFECT, an Immersive Squad-Based Cyberpunk Shooter, Gets First Impressive Gameplay Reveal
During the Galaxies Gaming Showcase, independent studio emptyvessel unveiled the first official gameplay footage of its debut title DEFECT. The studio, founded by two former id Software developers, presented an impressive and highly detailed look at this upcoming squad-based cyberpunk first-person shooter, setting high expectations among fans of immersive and tactical experiences.
Set in a futuristic and divided metropolis, DEFECT immerses players in a world ruled by an enigmatic artificial intelligence known as THE SYSTEM, where ruthless gangs and rogue law enforcement fight for control. Players will align with one of several factions, including THE SYSTEM’s own policing force, renegade officers, or criminal syndicates seeking power. Missions will vary significantly, with objectives such as smuggling contraband, carrying out assassinations, kidnapping rivals including other players, or arresting suspects, ensuring that no two operations ever play the same way.
Every encounter in DEFECT emphasizes player choice and tactical adaptability. The game supports single-player, PvP, and co-op multiplayer modes, allowing squads of up to four players to complete open-ended objectives and compete for resources, upgrades, and critical mission rewards. The developers promise a truly dynamic battlefield where chaos and unpredictability define every engagement.
Unlike most modern shooters, DEFECT does not include automatic health regeneration. Players must locate health stations throughout the environment, each offering limited uses, to survive extended firefights. The world reacts dynamically to player actions, featuring multi-layered environmental destruction and real-time dust and debris effects that can obscure visibility. Players can also flip tables or debris to create improvised cover or block enemy movement, adding layers of strategy to combat situations.
emptyvessel founder and game director Emanuel Palalic commented on the project:
“Our entire emptyvessel team is incredibly excited to show off this first look at gameplay in DEFECT as we’ve poured a ton of passion and time into crafting the game’s tone, atmosphere, and underlying systems. DEFECT is a HUD-less immersive shooter where any wall can be destroyed, gadgets and tools completely redefine how you approach combat, and every weapon or ammo type affects the world, interactables, and enemies in unique ways. The world is filled with emergent moments and dynamic branching narratives that react to player actions in real time.”
Earlier this year, emptyvessel secured 11 million USD in Series A funding from NCSOFT, 1AM Gaming, and Black Phoenix Games to expand development, enhance its single-player mode, and prepare for future console releases. Currently, the game is available for wishlisting on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG. These store listings confirm that DEFECT will include a level editor, LAN co-op and PvP support, and offer detailed system requirements.
System Requirements
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OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 @ 2.80GHz / AMD Ryzen 5 1600
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2060 6GB or better
DirectX: Version 12
Additional Notes: SSD recommended -
OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K @ 3.60GHz / AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3070 8GB or better
DirectX: Version 12
Additional Notes: SSD recommended
While DEFECT has no official release window yet, its first gameplay reveal positions it as one of the most promising new immersive shooters in development, combining Deus Ex-style atmosphere with Squad-like tactical realism and destructibility.
What are your thoughts on DEFECT’s fully destructible environments and faction-driven gameplay? Could this be the next big cyberpunk tactical shooter? Share your opinion below.
