Hidden IO has announced ZIX, a brand new player-driven rougelite co-op RPG for Meta Quest and Steam VR.
The game features gesture based controls, and will support co-op and cross play between both Meta Quest and Steam VR.
Hidden IO was founded in 2023 by brothers Sol Tahirli and Tam Tahirli, and was accepted into the Oculus Publishing program to help fund and develop ZIX. When asked about the development, Tam had the following to say:
"Growing up as refugees in Canada, gaming was always a constant source of comfort and stability for us both. When the pandemic hit, it took away our ability to sit side by side, sharing the joy of our favorite games and feeling each other’s presence. We turned to VR for that connection, and while we better felt each other's presence, there wasn’t enough depth to keep us playing in the few co-op games available. As we were both game developers, we decided to tackle this ourselves. ZIX blends the gameplay and depth of titles we love—Risk of Rain 2, Enter the Gungeon, and Binding of Isaac—with the visceral, intuitive feel of VR games like Gorilla Tag and Nock, creating something that truly captures our attention. What started as a small passion project to reconnect has now grown into a team effort, and we’re excited to share this experience with all of you next year"
The game is scheduled for release in 2025, and can be added to your wishlist on either Meta Quest or Steam.
For more, here's the official statement provided by Hidden IO.
About:
GAME DESCRIPTION
Zix is a co-op VR action roguelike with an emphasis on speed and style. Players become Acolytes, tasked with spreading chaos across the universe in service of Zix. To do this, they must discover and mix together a wide range of “ingredients” to procedurally alter the content of each run. Don’t like an enemy?
Replace it with one from another world. Can’t reach a secret? Time to lower gravity. Players will learn to remix reality as they uncover the secrets of Zix.
FEATURES
Gesture-Based Combat: Master the intuitive FIRST INSTINCT system—use simple gestures and triggers for seamless actions like dashing, jumping, and wielding swords, grenades, arrows, and more, without ever looking down at your controllers.
Recipe-Roguelike Progression: Mix elements from three worlds to influence each run. Experiment with recipes to unlock powerful abilities, secret areas, and environmental changes.
Procedural Ability Augments: Upgrade your abilities with stacking augments for endless unique builds in every playthrough.
Cross-Platform Mayhem: Play solo or co-op with up to two VR friends across all platforms!
WORLD / SETTING
Step into the chaos and unleash your power as an Acolyte of Zix in the ultimate co-op VR action roguelike experience! Battle through immersive, fast-paced worlds as you invade diverse, procedurally-generated realms, harvesting their elements to craft your own path through the cosmos. Every run offers new secrets to discover and endless opportunities to experiment with element combinations, ensuring no two adventures are the same.
Designed for thrilling multiplayer fun, this game features cross-platform VR play, allowing you to team up with friends across devices. Whether you're in the heart of the action or guiding from the sidelines, you'll never face the mysteries of Zix’s universe alone.
About Hidden IO Inc:
Hidden IO Inc., founded in 2023 by brothers Suleyman (Sol) and Tamerlan (Tam) Tahirli, is an innovative VR focused game development studio. The Tahirli brothers arrived in Canada as child refugees from Azerbaijan, and playing and making games together has always been a source of comfort and connection for the two. Sol has always focused on game and graphics design, and Tam honed his skills in scripting for third-party mods in games such as RuneScape and the GTA Series. In 2021, they embarked on a new journey together, developing a VR game as a means of connecting during the pandemic. This project ultimately evolved into ZIX, Hidden IO's flagship title.
Despite being a relatively new studio, Hidden IO's team consists of seasoned industry professionals who possess a comprehensive understanding of the game development process. Drawing on their collective knowledge and experiences, the team is committed to pushing ZIX towards a successful release. By leveraging their passion, expertise, and collaborative spirit, Hidden IO hopes to make a significant impact in the world of VR gaming.
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