DaRmaZat Publisher and developer Emptyvessel have revealed the first gameplay footage for their upcoming cyberpunk immersive shooter DEFECT during the Galaxies Showcase, offering a deeper look at the game’s intense squad-based combat and destructible environments.
Set in a sprawling dystopian metropolis ruled by a cold, calculating AI known as The System, DEFECT drops players into the chaos of a collapsing society. Police units and criminal factions clash for dominance in objective-driven, 4v4v4v4 battles where every match plays out differently based on team actions, environmental destruction, and emergent events.
The new trailer showcases a mission from the perspective of The System’s police forces, beginning aboard a transport ship before deploying into gang territory. Players use in-world tools like PDAs, scanners, and weapon displays instead of a traditional HUD, emphasizing immersion and tactical awareness. As the squad infiltrates a facility controlled by gang leader Nodrog, they deploy drones, stealth fields, and wall scanners to locate data terminals and complete objectives amid explosive firefights and collapsing structures.
Every piece of the environment reacts dynamically—walls crumble under fire, dust fills the air, and cover can be flipped or destroyed to change the flow of battle. The reveal also teases one of DEFECT’s signature mechanics: “Body Snatch,” allowing downed players to transfer their consciousness into enemy combatants mid-match.
Featuring original music by composer Mick Gordon (DOOM, Prey), DEFECT blends tactical coordination with high-octane chaos and cyberpunk flair. The game’s release date has yet to be announced, but it is confirmed to be in development for PC and consoles.
