4J Studios, the developer known for its work porting Minecraft to consoles, has unveiled a new visual technology called "Rixels" for its upcoming sandbox survival game, Reforj. The announcement marks a significant technical pivot intended to differentiate the game from the blocky, cartoonish aesthetic common in the voxel sandbox genre.
How Rixels Change the Visuals
According to 4J CTO Richard Reavy, Rixels function similarly to pixels but include additional data that defines the shape of the object at each location. While traditional voxels are limited to standard cubes, Rixels allow for a wider variety of shapes to fit within a cubic space. This technology maintains high resolution and definition regardless of camera proximity, resulting in a world that retains a cubic feel but appears smoother and more vibrant than previous pre-alpha iterations.
Development Goals
4J Co-Founder and Chairman Chris van der Kuyl stated that the overhaul was driven by a need to ensure the game's "Element Engine" provides a high-performing experience while establishing a unique visual identity. The team describes the transition as a ground-up rework of the game's world-building technology.
Reforj remains in development for PC, and interested players can currently find the game listed on Steam.