The gaming industry is on the cusp of a transformative era with the debut of Infinite Inside, an innovative mixed reality puzzle-adventure game developed by the London-based studio, Maze Theory. Known for their previous successes, including Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom and Doctor Who: The Edge of Time, Maze Theory is once again pushing the envelope by merging augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into a seamless and cohesive experience. This ambitious project aims to redefine digital interaction, making it one of the most eagerly awaited games of the year.
Infinite Inside has already garnered significant attention within the gaming community, boasting an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 from over 100 reviews on its initial AppLab and SideQuest releases. This early acclaim highlights the game’s potential to revolutionize the gaming landscape. “We aim to break new ground by intertwining MR and VR in ways previously unseen. Feedback has confirmed that we’ve succeeded, as mixed reality fans and gamers are thoroughly enjoying it,” remarked Ian Hambleton, CEO of Maze Theory.
The game immerses players in a serene, dreamlike world filled with impossible architecture and hidden secrets, triggered by the sudden appearance of an enigmatic ancient artifact known as the ‘Plinth’ in their homes. Guided by echoes of past explorers, players are tasked with collecting shards, solving intricate three-dimensional puzzles, and assembling keys to unlock the mysteries of a secret society dedicated to maintaining the balance between order and chaos. This narrative framework provides a deeply engaging and challenging experience.
Infinite Inside’s room-scale gameplay exemplifies the sophisticated integration of mixed and virtual reality. Players can explore five visually stunning worlds, each designed to offer a peaceful escape into labyrinths brimming with mysteries. The game features intuitive hand tracking, enabling players to manipulate 3D geometric puzzles with precision. For those utilizing the Apple VisionPro headset, the experience is further enhanced with 3D spatial audio and cinematic sound design, making every interaction feel remarkably lifelike.
“With Infinite Inside, we’re delivering an advanced, innovative new experience that early adopters of MR technology have been eagerly anticipating. The game appeals to curious creatives, problem solvers, tech enthusiasts, and fans of adventure and puzzle gaming,” Hambleton added. “It offers pure escapism with top-quality graphic environments and intuitive, authentic interaction.”
The successful realization of Infinite Inside can be attributed to Maze Theory’s partnership with Saltwater Games, a global gaming studio renowned for blending emerging technology with creative innovation. Since Maze Theory’s acquisition by Saltwater Games in 2024, they have continued to push the boundaries of immersive entertainment. This collaboration has resulted in a game that not only captivates players but also sets a new benchmark for what is achievable in the realm of mixed reality gaming.
In addition, Infinite Inside is being co-published with Make Waves in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Headquartered in Singapore, Make Waves aims to become a leading publisher and producer of immersive VR games and advanced educational applications. Their innovative studios excel in gameplay, storytelling, and technical advancements, making them the perfect partner for Maze Theory’s ambitious project.
The global rollout of Infinite Inside coincides with the launch of Apple’s VisionPro headset, making it one of the first games available on this cutting-edge platform. In addition to Apple VisionPro, the game will also be released on MetaQuest, PlayStation VR2, Pico, and Steam, ensuring it reaches a broad audience of mixed reality enthusiasts and gamers. This broad availability underscores the growing demand for mixed reality games and the increasing accessibility of the technology.
As mixed reality technology continues to advance, the potential for games like Infinite Inside to revolutionize the gaming industry becomes increasingly evident. The game’s success could pave the way for more developers to explore the possibilities of blending AR and VR, leading to a new wave of innovative and immersive experiences. The continued development of MR technology, including improved hand tracking and more sophisticated spatial audio, will further enrich the gaming experience, making it more engaging and interactive.
The collaboration between Maze Theory and Saltwater Games underscores the importance of merging creative storytelling with cutting-edge technology. This partnership has resulted in a game that not only captivates players but also pushes the boundaries of what is possible in mixed reality gaming. The game’s ability to transport players to a dreamlike world filled with mysteries and puzzles demonstrates the potential of mixed reality to create truly engaging and interactive experiences.
Looking ahead, we can anticipate more games that leverage the unique capabilities of mixed reality to craft engaging and interactive worlds. As more players gain access to this technology, the market for MR games is likely to expand, leading to increased investment and innovation in the industry. The success of Infinite Inside could inspire a new generation of developers to push the boundaries of what is possible, creating a future where immersive and interactive experiences are the norm.
Infinite Inside represents a significant milestone in the evolution of mixed reality gaming. Its success is a testament to the vision and creativity of Maze Theory and Saltwater Games, setting the stage for a new era of immersive digital experiences. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Infinite Inside stands as a shining example of what is possible when cutting-edge technology and innovative storytelling converge to create something truly extraordinary.
