What is Martinez AI Studios?
A publisher and creative label based in Dallas, Texas. We publish and distribute works created by Dero Lavigne — including Kaela Inferna on streaming and CONTRABAND on Steam. AI-born. Human in message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who creates the content?
Dero Lavigne — developer, author, and creative director. He creates the music, games, websites, and narrative. Martinez AI Studios publishes and releases those works under the label.
Is it the same as Dero Lavigne?
No. Dero Lavigne is the creator (derolavigne.com). Martinez AI Studios is the publisher and label (this site). Created by Dero · Published by Martinez AI Studios.
Why two websites?
derolavigne.com is the creative portfolio — everything Dero builds. martinezaistudios.com is the publisher's home — what the label releases on Steam, streaming, and under the brand.
Is Kaela Inferna real?
Kaela was created by Dero Lavigne and is published by Martinez AI Studios. She is both a streaming artist and the in-game AI navigator in CONTRABAND. Music and voice use AI tools under Dero's direction.
Where do I play CONTRABAND?
On Steam for PC (App ID 4901100). The browser build was retired; Steam is the official destination.
Do you use AI for everything?
AI is a production vessel under Dero Lavigne's direction — for music, voices, iteration, and tooling. Martinez AI Studios publishes the results transparently. The creative message is human.
Where is the label based?
Dallas, Texas, USA.
How can I support the project?
Wishlist CONTRABAND on Steam, stream Kaela Inferna, and join the Martinez AI Studios Steam community group.
What is The Fold?
The Fold is the universe metaphor behind CONTRABAND and related works — reality that bends, branches, and keeps ghost timelines. Lore hubs live at edgeofthefold.com; the publisher hub is here.
What are Rift branches?
CONTRABAND’s core narrative system: revisit any story moment, split decisions, and keep abandoned paths as ghost timelines. It is designed for replay with consequence, not cosmetic choice menus.
What is the Studio Log?
Our long-form blog at martinezaistudios.com/blog — publisher notes on classic and modern games, indie and AAA craft, AI music, and the ComfyUI/ElevenLabs production stack documented at derolavigne.com.
Which AI tools does Dero Lavigne use?
ComfyUI for visual iteration, ElevenLabs for character voice profiles, language models for outline and dialogue stress-testing under authorial veto, Three.js for web 3D, and DAW workflows for music — all directed by Dero, published by Martinez AI Studios.
How is AI music different from “AI slop”?
Slop is undirected volume. Our releases use AI as a production vessel under Dero Lavigne’s taste — authored lyrics, cut filler, consistent vocal identity for Kaela Inferna, and transparent credit lines. AI-born. Human in message.
What are the Steam Curator pages?
Editorial recommendation feeds: Martinez AI Studios and Dero Lavigne each run one. They highlight games, media, and tools we think deserve attention — not paid placements.
Does Martinez AI Studios accept game submissions?
No open submission portal. The label publishes works created by Dero Lavigne. Studio Log posts explain our taste and standards for press and partners.
How do Kaela Inferna and CONTRABAND connect?
Kaela is a streaming artist and in-game Operations Mode aboard Haven in CONTRABAND — same creative direction by Dero Lavigne, published by Martinez AI Studios. You can enjoy either layer independently or both for transmedia depth.
Where are press assets and fact sheets?
The Press page lists public trade name, publisher, developer, flagship stats, and contact email Dero.Lavigne@gmail.com — include outlet name and deadline for media requests.
Is CONTRABAND a live-service game?
No. It is a finishable branching RPG with 140 Steam achievements and cloud saves — designed for complete playthroughs and Rift replays, not endless season treadmills.
Why Dallas, Texas?
Martinez AI Studios is headquartered in Dallas with global distribution via Steam and streaming. Texas is home base; audience is worldwide.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Martinez AI Studios | Publisher, sello creativo, hub de marca — publica obras creadas por Dero Lavigne |
| Dero Lavigne | Developer, autor, director creativo — crea todo el contenido |
| The Fold | Universe metaphor — reality that bends and branches |
| Rift branches | Branching decisions and revisit system in CONTRABAND |
| Vessel | AI as container for human message |
| Operations Mode | In-game Kaela — contracts and tactical analysis |
| AI-born, human in message | Official label tagline |