Martin Rumenov A New Era of Gesture-Powered Roguelike Action
Hidden IO has unveiled ZIX, the studio’s debut VR action roguelike, now available in Early Access on Meta Quest 3/3S and Steam VR for $19.99 USD. ZIX invites players to step into the role of Acolytes, facing the chaos of interdimensional realms through a uniquely gesture-first combat and movement system, playable solo or in three-player cross-platform co-op.
Dive Into the Seam: How ZIX Works
Movement and Combat That Demands Precision
Players awaken in the Seam, a mysterious gateway connecting several worlds. Instead of traditional UI elements, players interact through physical actions in VR—gripping surfaces to move, timing double jumps, and executing aerial slides, all through their own movements. The responsive combat rewards quick thinking and skillful execution:
- Use guns for precise ranged attacks.
- Deflect enemy fire with well-timed sword swings.
- Smash through with powerful, physics-driven spikes.
- Manipulate encounters using a mobile shield.
- Maintain steady aim with bows in the midst of chaos.
Weapon upgrades accumulate along each run, altering how players tackle obstacles and shifting the dynamics of the experience.
Realms Collide: Dynamic World Building
Remixable Runs and Co-op Action
Every game session draws hazards and conditions from three distinct realms—Grove, Abyss, and Gut—then merges them into unpredictable, challenge-rich environments, offering new variations on every attempt. Mixing and matching run-specific upgrades and strategies creates high replayability while pushing players to adapt on the fly. Team-based play supports up to three players and seamlessly integrates cross-platform multiplayer between Quest and Steam VR.
Core Features at Early Access Launch
Movement, Combat, Upgrades, and Teamwork
- Fluid VR Movement: Traverse the landscape using rhythm-based, grip-powered motion, including double jumps and rapid aerial recoveries.
- Physical Combat Systems: Five weapon types emphasize timing, with actions like projectile deflection and explosive attacks based on player movement.
- Stackable Upgrades: Collect and combine augments mid-run to alter weapon behavior and the course of each challenge.
- Realm Splicing: Progress through interwoven worlds drawn from multiple hostile environments for a constantly shifting experience.
- Cross-Platform Co-op: Join up to two friends for cooperative gameplay across both major VR platforms.
- Minimal UI Immersion: Interact directly with the world, maintaining intense focus and immersion in every encounter.
Why Early Access? Community and Iterative Development
Hidden IO’s choice for Early Access is about gathering community feedback to expand content, improve balance, and ensure the game’s core strengths—tactile traversal and expressive combat—continue to shine. The studio promises regular updates addressing new enemies, upgrades, run variations, and ongoing optimizations for comfort and performance on all supported devices.
Meet Hidden IO: Studio Origins and Vision
From Refugee Roots to VR Innovation
Based in Montreal, Hidden IO was founded by Tam and Sol Tahirli, brothers who immigrated to Canada as refugees and discovered gaming as a creative outlet. Their experience spans major industry roles at Unity and Ubisoft, culminating in the formation of Hidden IO in 2023. Backed by Meta’s Oculus Publishing and Canada Media Fund, the studio is committed to delivering bold, experimental VR games that celebrate creativity and mastery. ZIX is their first release, aiming to revolutionize VR roguelike gameplay and multiplayer interaction.
Get ZIX Today: Claim Early Access and Join the Community
ZIX is out now on Meta Quest 3/3S and Steam VR for $19.99 USD. Interested players can wishlist, purchase, and join the official Discord for team-up opportunities, while ongoing updates and news are available across X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
