Soft Rains: A New Indie Studio Crafting the Future of Sci-Fi Adventure Games
A new force in indie game development has emerged. Soft Rains, an independent game studio founded by a team of AAA and indie veterans, is working on an unannounced sci-fi first-person adventure game that aims to redefine the genre. With developers from Bethesda Game Studios, Ubisoft Toronto, Capybara Games, Riot, and more, Soft Rains is shaping up to be a studio with the expertise, creativity, and ambition to deliver a truly next-level narrative-driven experience.
A Team Built on Experience and Passion
Soft Rains is not your average indie startup—it’s a dream team of developers who have left their mark on some of the industry’s most memorable games. The studio was co-founded by:
- Joel Burgess (Studio Head) – Known for his work on Skyrim and Fallout 4, Burgess brings worldbuilding expertise and a deep understanding of open-ended player exploration.
- Matt Scott (Game Director) – A leader in gameplay design, focused on immersive first-person experiences.
- Jules Glegg (Technical Director) – An expert in cutting-edge game technology, ensuring Soft Rains’ debut title runs seamlessly.
- Kaitlin Tremblay (Narrative Director) – A storyteller behind powerful, thought-provoking narratives in games like A Mortician’s Tale and Watch Dogs: Legion.
- Daryl Brigner (World Director) – A key creative force in designing immersive, atmospheric environments.
With their collective experience spanning blockbusters like Fallout, VALORANT, and Left 4 Dead, as well as beloved indie gems like Grindstone and Creature in the Well, Soft Rains is positioned to merge the best of both worlds—AAA-level polish with indie innovation and bold storytelling.
A Sci-Fi Adventure Like No Other
While details on Soft Rains’ first project remain under wraps, the team has offered glimpses into their creative vision.
Narrative Director Kaitlin Tremblay shares that the game draws from speculative fiction that challenges and inspires, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the collective nature of building a future. Rather than simply presenting a sci-fi setting, Soft Rains aims to use the genre as a lens for deep, emotional storytelling.
The game is being developed in Unreal Engine 5, ensuring next-gen visual fidelity, immersive worldbuilding, and cutting-edge gameplay mechanics.
What Makes Soft Rains Stand Out?
Soft Rains isn't just another indie studio—it represents a new era of game development, one where indie creativity and AAA expertise collide to create bold, character-driven experiences. Here’s what makes them a studio to watch:
1. A Deep Focus on Narrative and Worldbuilding
With team members from Fallout, Skyrim, and Watch Dogs: Legion, Soft Rains knows how to create rich, immersive worlds. Players can expect a game where storytelling is just as crucial as gameplay, with characters and environments that feel alive and reactive.
2. A Unique Approach to Sci-Fi
Rather than relying on typical space battles and alien invasions, Soft Rains wants to challenge players’ perceptions. The team is drawing inspiration from sci-fi stories that explore human nature, identity, and the meaning of progress, creating a game that feels thought-provoking and emotionally impactful.
3. Blending Familiar Gameplay with Fresh Mechanics
Soft Rains has hinted at taking familiar action-adventure mechanics and reinventing them. With developers who have worked on everything from first-person RPGs to deck-building indies, their debut title is expected to break genre conventions and offer something unexpected yet intuitive.
A Studio with a Vision for the Future
Soft Rains has been working on its debut game since late 2022, and while there’s no release window yet, the project is well underway. The studio is committed to crafting games that leave a lasting impact, believing that great experiences come from curiosity, collaboration, and taking creative risks.
For players who love story-driven, atmospheric adventures, Soft Rains could be the next studio to watch. With industry-leading talent and an ambitious sci-fi vision, they are well on their way to creating something truly special.