Kena: Bridge of Spirits broke even a month after its launch, and developer Ember Lab is currently working on its next project, which may not even be a game.
Speaking in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Ember Lab co-founders Josh and Michael Grier talked about their efforts in leveraging their background in film, VFX, and producing brand mascots and applying it to the studio’s debut game. They revealed that Kena: Bridge of Spirits had broke even a month after its release.
The Kena: Bridge of Spirits developer discussed how the final version of the game was a lot bigger in scope than the original vision. The duo referred to themselves as aging gamers, who have less time to play things. Therefore, things that are more approachable from a scope perspective are always more appealing to them. They mentioned that they will try to do something a little bit more ambitious moving forward, but they’re still trying to be conscious of making something that’s digestible and something that they will want to play as gamers right now in their current, busier phase of life.
The Ember Lab co-founders hinted that their next project may not be an actual game. They stated that they’re filmmakers by trade, and, as such, they like to look at linear media. They hinted at the possibility of something like Kena exploring the universe in different mediums outside of the interactive ones.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a 2021 action-adventure game developed and published by Ember Lab. Players assume the role of Kena, a young spirit guide who isproficient in mystical arts, as she aids departed souls in transitioning from the mortal realm to the spiritual world. The game is played from a third-person perspective. Kena wields a staff to confront adversaries and relies on her pulse ability to defend against incoming attacks. The main objective is to gather and befriend small spirit companions called the Rot, whose assistance proves vital in accomplishing various tasks and engaging in battles against formidable foes.
