Quarter Up might be a fresh studio name, but the team behind it is anything but inexperienced. According to Game Informer's cover story coverage on Invincible VS, the developers bring deep roots in the fighting game genre, including work on the beloved 2013 Killer Instinct reboot.

That KI connection is more than just a resume line item. Killer Instinct's 2013 revival was widely praised for its tight mechanics, accessible-yet-deep combo system, and strong character variety - exactly the kind of design philosophy you'd want feeding into a new fighter. The influence of that project appears to be a foundational part of how Quarter Up is approaching Invincible VS.

Fighting game veterans building something new

The studio's collective experience spans multiple corners of the industry, but the fighting game expertise is clearly front and center. Getting a brawler right is notoriously difficult - balancing accessibility for casual players while maintaining the depth that competitive players demand is one of gaming's toughest design challenges.

Invincible VS has a strong license to work with. The Invincible IP, based on Robert Kirkman's comic series and the hit Prime Video animated show, is packed with heavy-hitters and brutal action that translates naturally to a fighting game format. Matching that source material with a team that knows the genre is an encouraging sign.

What we know so far

Game Informer's full cover story on Invincible VS goes deeper into the game's mechanics and design direction, available to subscribers through their digital edition. The outlet is also rolling out additional online features covering specific aspects of the game as part of the broader coverage package.

Quarter Up has a lot to prove as a new studio, but the pedigree behind it suggests Invincible VS isn't just a licensed cash-grab. With Killer Instinct alumni in the mix, there's genuine reason to be curious about what this team is cooking up.