New MMO shooter set in the Atomic Heart universe aims to redefine the genre with real-time transformations and patented tech
On June 27, developer Mundfish offered Wccftech an in-depth first look at The CUBE, its upcoming online multiplayer shooter. Set in the same universe as Atomic Heart, the ambitious MMO aims to stand out with technical innovations, a dynamic world and long-term support. So far, however, the community remains skeptical.
A cube as the origin of an MMO world
According to studio head Robert Bagratuni, the idea for The CUBE began with a phone call and a few geometric sketches on a notepad. That moment sparked the concept of a constantly shifting, cube-shaped space – an idea he and co-founder Oleg Gorodishenin fleshed out within hours. Far from being just a spin-off, the game is a standalone MMO set after the events of Atomic Heart, and it's expected to tie into Atomic Heart 2 in the future.
A shooter with technical ambition and multiplayer focus
At the core of The CUBE lies a custom-built split rendering system designed to move and rotate thousands of in-game objects – or 'tiles' – in real time, a crucial feature for its ever-shifting world. The game’s server-client architecture separates motion physics, rendering and synchronization, enabling smooth transitions and dynamic gravity effects. The technology runs on a modified version of Unreal Engine 5, and the team is already preparing a patent application.
Gameplay mix of MMO, shooter and dungeon crawler
Players can look forward to a hybrid experience that blends MMORPG-style progression with fast-paced shooter gameplay. Customizable characters, quests and dynamic missions are designed to ensure long-term engagement, with a strong focus on PvE. PvP will also be available in designated zones – including extraction elements – though the game won’t follow traditional battle royale formats.
Particular emphasis is placed on the game’s 'dungeon zones' – challenging areas that become increasingly surreal and alien the deeper players venture. To foster long-term engagement, the team plans to offer regular events, fresh quests and a continuously evolving live service model. Whether The CUBE will adopt a free-to-play or premium pricing model remains undecided.
Reddit users raise concerns over voice acting, sexism and the game's direction
On Reddit, reactions remain largely shaped by ridicule and disappointment. Critics highlight oversexualized character designs and weak voice acting as key concerns. While male characters appear in practical, realistic armor, some female characters are depicted in outfits seen as unnecessarily revealing. The voice work is frequently described as unpolished or amateurish. More broadly, there's a prevailing sense of skepticism – many fear The CUBE could become yet another visually ambitious title that ultimately falls short on gameplay. Confidence in developer Mundfish remains shaky, especially in light of Atomic Heart's mixed reception.
In the end, The CUBE has the potential to carve out a place as an ambitious genre hybrid, combining fresh ideas with technical depth – provided the gameplay can live up to its visual ambition. A playable test version will be the next crucial moment for Mundfish to prove itself and win back community trust. While there's no official release date yet, Steam indicates that an announcement may be coming soon.
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