"We probably need a few more Expedition 33s to just prove them wrong" – the maker of Valor Mortis on why publishers should have faith in AA

Polish studio One More Level has found success in the AA games market with titles like Ghostrunner and its sequel, which sold over 5.6 million units. However, the AA sector has faced challenges due to reduced investment and competition, leading smaller publishers to favor smaller budget games. Despite a recent hit, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, it remains difficult to secure funding for mid-tier titles.

One More Level's director, Radek Ratusznik, believes more successful AA games like Expedition 33 are needed to change perceptions.

Ratusznik discussed the studio's search for a publisher for their latest game, Valor Mortis, which is set to release on October 13. Initially, Valor Mortis was published by Private Division, but the company was scaled back by its parent, Take-Two, in 2024. This led One More Level to consider self-publishing the game, but ultimately found a publisher in Lyrical Games, a spin-off from a film company focused on mid-tier titles.

Lyrical Games' founder, Blake Rochkind, sees Clair Obscur as a prime example of the kind of title they are looking for.

Ratusznik noted that the studio resisted the urge to cut staff during uncertain times and relied on savings from previous projects to keep going. With the help of Lyrical Games, One More Level has grown to over 70 people, working on Valor Mortis and another unannounced project. The company aims to keep as much work in-house as possible and is considering further growth if the game is successful.

Valor Mortis is a first-person action RPG set in the 19th century Napoleonic Wars, with gameplay elements borrowed from Dark Souls and BioShock, aiming to stand out in a crowded market.