The reveal of The CUBE has caught the attention of fans, especially those who enjoyed Atomic Heart. While a sequel was expected after over 10 million people played the original game, few saw an online multiplayer spin-off with MMORPG elements coming. 
In an exclusive interview with Mundfish, we learned about the exciting new direction of this game, its innovative split-rendering technology, and the studio’s vision for its post-launch future.
When asked how many developers are working on The CUBE, studio founder and CEO Robert Bagratuni revealed that the team has grown considerably since the release of Atomic Heart 1. Initially, a team of about 50 developers created the first game, but by release, that number grew to 80. Now, with multiple dedicated teams, the studio’s workforce has more than doubled. The team behind The CUBE includes many new hires, especially in the multiplayer field. However, there’s still a strong crossover between teams to ensure continuity in the Atomic Universe’s narrative and characters. Bagratuni emphasized that each current project has its own dedicated team, all significantly larger than what they had during the first game.
The idea for The CUBE came from an unexpected moment during a phone call. Bagratuni was sketching on a notepad when the thought of a grid of rotating tiles crossed his mind. He imagined these tiles expanding, folding, and shifting, not just as an abstract idea, but as a living structure that would affect physics, traversal, and gameplay. This moment of inspiration led to the creation of The CUBE, which Bagratuni and co-founder Oleg Gorodishenin fleshed out in a creative two-hour session.
Regarding the game’s timeline, The CUBE is set after the events of Atomic Heart 1, though its exact connection to Atomic Heart 2 remains under wraps. The CUBE isn’t just a standalone project, but an integral part of the ever-expanding universe. Players will gradually uncover how it fits into the broader narrative as more details are released.
To make this world come alive, Mundfish developed a new system, the split-rendering technology, which allows thousands of objects in the world to rotate and move in real-time. This innovative system makes the world feel dynamic and alive, affecting both physics and gameplay. The system is designed to keep gameplay smooth and consistent, even when the entire world is shifting around the player. This patent-pending technology ensures that The CUBE doesn’t just look spectacular-it also feels like a living, breathing world.
The game is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, which gives the team the flexibility to implement their custom modifications. This technology not only enhances visual fidelity but also supports the complex systems required to bring The CUBE’s concept to life.
As for the gameplay style, The CUBE combines a deep narrative with MMORPG elements like persistent character progression, customizable loadouts, and evolving objectives. Unlike traditional MMOs that rely on static quest hubs, The CUBE offers a more dynamic experience. The world changes over time, and the player’s actions influence both their journey and the game’s world. The game features cooperative missions, dynamic world events, and the potential for PvP interactions, depending on the circumstances.
While it’s not focused on extraction shooters or battle royales, The CUBE does incorporate elements of those genres. Players will explore dangerous zones and face high-stakes encounters, with the potential for meaningful rewards. However, combat is just one aspect of the game, and players will engage in many other activities that enrich the overall experience.
In addition to exploration and combat, players will find dungeon-like zones with tough enemies and unique rewards. The deeper they venture into these areas, the stranger the environment becomes. The CUBE’s design is meant to surprise and challenge players at every turn, offering something fresh and unpredictable at every step.
The developers are still working on the details of the business model, but they assure players that whatever path they choose, the experience will be fair and player-focused. For now, the focus is on creating an exceptional game.
The CUBE is currently undergoing internal playtesting, with plans for open testing in the future to gather feedback from the community. The post-launch plan includes regular updates with new content, quests, and events, ensuring that the world of The CUBE continues to evolve and surprise players long after release.