I feel like we’re witnessing a subtle but important shift in the games industry, and it’s exactly the kind of story you don’t want to miss. When top developers from AAA studios walk away and start something smaller, sharper, and more creative, it signals a change in how games are made. This is a perfect example of the “AAA devs to indie startup” phenomenon, and Airlock Games is living proof.
The Founders and the Announcement
Justin Fischer and Brock Feldman, veterans who worked on high-profile projects like MultiVersus, officially launched Airlock Games on October 28, 2025. They’re self-funded, motivated by creative freedom, and determined to leave the constraints of AAA development behind. In their own words, they left AAA to rediscover the “wonderful, reckless creativity of more focused games” (Gamespot).
This is a textbook example of AAA devs to indie startup behavior. They’re taking experience from massive teams and long cycles and applying it to smaller, faster, and more experimental projects. It’s exactly the kind of story that resonates with both gamers and developers who follow the industry closely.
Why Leaving AAA Matters
AAA development is a grind. Massive teams, long production cycles, and constant oversight by publishers leave little room for experimentation. That’s why the move from AAA devs to indie startup is significant. It shows that even seasoned professionals are seeking environments where creative risks can thrive without the weight of a multi-million-dollar budget.
Airlock Games isn’t just about leaving AAA, it’s about embracing a different philosophy. They plan to focus on smaller games with shorter playtimes at lower price points. A clear pivot from traditional AAA titles (GamesPress). This is the first confirmed step in a trend of AAA devs to indie startup transitions that could influence how other veterans approach game development.
The First Project: What the Stars Forgot
Their debut project, What the Stars Forgot, is described as a horror-sci-fi simulation management game with retro 16-bit graphics. It’s a bold move that blends storytelling, strategy, and retro aesthetics in a way only a team of experienced AAA developers could execute effectively. (GamesPress)
The game will enter Steam early access later this year, with a Kickstarter campaign already underway. This allows early supporters to provide feedback, a process rarely possible with AAA titles. It’s a prime example of AAA devs to indie startup creativity, taking the expertise of large-scale projects and applying it to smaller, more agile development cycles.
The Industry Angle
So why does this matter beyond curiosity? Because this story reflects a trend: more AAA devs are leaving giant studios to explore indie avenues. Big-budget fatigue is real, and smaller, focused projects can deliver higher-quality experiences in less time. The Airlock Games announcement positions them as a case study in this shift, showing that AAA devs to indie startup moves are not just personal choices but potentially influential industry trends.
Gamers are also paying attention. There’s growing appetite for games that respect players’ time, offer unique experiences, and don’t rely on endless updates or monetization schemes. AAA devs to indie startup transitions, like Airlock Games, directly respond to that demand.
Why Gamers Should Care
For gamers, this story matters. The credibility factor alone is compelling: Fischer and Feldman have the experience to execute complex game mechanics and design choices that smaller, less-experienced teams might struggle with. But the appeal goes beyond credentials. Airlock Games’ approach is experimental, agile, and player-focused, qualities that are often missing in AAA releases.
The “AAA devs to indie startup” narrative is also inspiring. It reminds players and industry watchers that innovation often comes from smaller teams willing to take creative risks. Gamers who follow indie news, new studio announcements, or smaller project launches will find Airlock Games’ story particularly relevant.
Long-Term Implications
This is likely the start of a bigger movement. AAA devs to indie startup moves could become more common as developers look for creative freedom and shorter, more focused production cycles. Platforms like Steam, itch.io, and console indie programs make these ventures viable.
Airlock Games exemplifies how smaller studios with veteran leadership can influence the industry. The first project, What the Stars Forgot, may set the tone for the types of games these developers produce: focused, experimental, and accessible to a wider range of players. It’s a practical demonstration of how AAA devs to indie startup stories can reshape expectations.
