Create Your Own Adventure In Hidden IOs New Game Zix

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As a gamer with a soft spot for heartwarming stories behind the games I play, I can’t help but be captivated by ZIX, a VR game that was born out of two brothers’ longing to connect during a pandemic. The Tahirli brothers, refugees from Azerbaijan who found solace in video games and later made their way into the big leagues of gaming, have crafted something truly unique with ZIX.

As a devoted follower, here’s my take:

Originally from Azerbaijan, the Tahirli siblings sought refuge in Canada. As they matured, video games emerged as their personal sanctuary. With a knack for it, Sol developed skills in game creation and art, while Tam honed his coding abilities by modifying games such as RuneScape and Grand Theft Auto. Over time, these pastimes transformed into professional opportunities at prominent gaming companies like Unity and Ubisoft.

Zix: From Pandemic Connection To Game Development

Since the onset of COVID-19, the brothers could no longer enjoy their usual hangouts and gaming sessions together. They experimented with virtual reality (VR) games in an attempt to bridge the gap, but as Tam puts it, something essential was amiss: “The pandemic took away our chance to play side by side, experiencing the thrill of our preferred games and sensing each other’s presence. We sought that connection through VR, and while we could feel more of each other’s presence, the limited variety in cooperative games didn’t quite satisfy us.

2021 marked the year when, following over a decade of experience in the gaming sector, they embarked on a new journey: developing their own game. Drawing inspiration from cherished titles such as Risk of Rain 2, Enter the Gungeon, and Binding of Isaac, they brought ZIX to life. Initially conceived as a means for companionship, this project blossomed into something far grander. Within the realm of ZIX, players assume roles as Acolytes, interstellar agents sowing disorder across the cosmos, under the enigmatic guidance of Zix.

Innovation In VR Gaming

One key aspect of this game empowers players to customize their gaming journey. Rather than letting fate decide everything, players are given the flexibility to combine various game elements. Tired of battling a specific foe? Replace it with one from another realm. Unable to access a concealed location? Alter the physics to navigate there. Players effectively design their own obstacles through these options.

As a passionate VR enthusiast, I must say, the creators have crafted controls that are tailor-made for this immersive realm. They’ve introduced the First Instinct system, which enables me, as a player, to move intuitively within the VR environment. With this setup, I can effortlessly sprint, leap, and handle an array of weapons – from swords to bows to even grenades – all without breaking my immersion by glancing at the controllers.

As I delve deeper into this captivating game, it seems to adapt to my growing skills. By blending aspects from three distinct realms, I’m granted fresh abilities, uncover hidden nooks, and unearth mechanisms to reshape the gaming experience itself. Every playthrough offers me an opportunity to combine unique enhancements, thus crafting diverse gameplay styles tailored to my preferences.

The team valued spending time with friends while playing, which is why ZIX caters to both solo players and groups of up to three people. Regardless of the type of VR headset your friends use, be it Meta Quest 3 or Steam VR, everyone can participate in the game.

Building A Future

The project garnered significant notice right from the start. Notably, Meta supported the game via their Oculus Publishing program, and the Canadian Media Fund also provided backing. This assistance enabled the fledgling studio to flourish while remaining faithful to their initial concepts. Now, the team boasts several seasoned industry professionals who have been crafting games for more than a decade.

The two siblings each contribute unique abilities in their work: Sol focuses on designing the visuals and gameplay mechanics, whereas Tam concentrates on coding to ensure smooth operation. Their experience in modifying games during their youth gave them insights into the elements that make games engaging and entice players to continue playing.

As a dedicated fan, I’d express it like this: “I find myself immersed in the innovative world of ZIX, where classic gaming concepts are reimagined for virtual reality. Each playthrough presents fresh combinations of worlds and abilities to experiment with. The game strikes a perfect balance between being accessible for beginners and offering intricate systems for seasoned players to delve into. This versatility extends to the multiplayer experience as well, allowing friends to effortlessly join or leave the game without compromising their individual progress.

2025 is when we’ll see the release of this game, but enthusiasts can go ahead and save it on their wish lists at both Steam and the Meta Quest Store. The developers, Hidden IO, engage with their community through Discord, sharing updates, and they also post news on YouTube, which used to be known as X (formerly Twitter).

ZIX originated in 2021 as a project by two developers yearning for closeness amid isolation. Over time, it has blossomed into a comprehensive game designed to provide players with an experience that the siblings couldn’t find during their isolation – a VR game specifically crafted for joint play.

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2024-11-25 14:23