In this episode of Startup Show, host John Biggs sat down with Bobby Voicu, CEO of MixRift, to discuss his company’s innovative approach to mixed reality gaming. MixRift is working on games designed for what companies like Meta call “mixed reality” and Apple refers to as “spatial computing.” These platforms combine elements of augmented and virtual reality to enhance gaming experiences in ways that seamlessly integrate digital components into the physical world.
Voicu explained that mixed reality sits between virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). While VR immerses users in entirely new environments — think of exploring a space station or a medieval castle — AR overlays information onto the real world, like seeing GPS directions directly on the street as you walk. Mixed reality, however, adds elements that aren’t naturally part of the environment, like having a monster appear in your living room, all without fully taking over your surroundings.
One of MixRift’s standout projects, Hell Horde, is a prime example. The game transforms part of a player’s room into a portal to the underworld, with monsters pouring in through the portal to chase players around their living rooms. While the technology is still developing, Voicu believes that within a year, consumer devices will start recognizing the furniture and layout of a space, allowing games to interact more intelligently with the player’s environment.
Recently, MixRift raised $1.6 million to expand its efforts in this burgeoning sector. While raising funds can often be a difficult process, Voicu found it significantly easier this time around compared to his previous experience raising $3 million for another gaming company. This smoother path was largely due to his track record as a successful founder, having sold his prior company, which gave investors more confidence in his ability to deliver.
“We raised the money in just seven weeks,” Voicu noted, highlighting that his past success and the inclusion of some co-founders from his previous venture gave investors a sense of security. He acknowledged that many investors may initially be hesitant, but once a founder proves themselves, the next round of funding becomes easier.
So, what does it take to build a successful mixed reality gaming company? According to Voicu, it’s all about testing and refining game mechanics. With gaming being a hit-driven industry, MixRift is focused on rapidly developing prototypes to determine what resonates with players. “We need to be able to find out what games are interesting for our potential audience,” Voicu said, emphasizing the importance of testing different prototypes to understand which game mechanics are the most fun and engaging for users.
The money MixRift raised will be used to build a team capable of creating these prototypes quickly. Voicu believes that players will return to a game if they find it fun, even if it’s still in its early stages with rough graphics. He shared how early testers of Hell Horde have continued to play despite the game’s unfinished state, simply because the mechanics are enjoyable.
When asked how MixRift finds testers for its games, Voicu explained that it’s not as difficult as it might seem. MixRift has promoted its games through Facebook groups for MetaQuest users, where players eagerly test new games. Voicu added that if a game is good, it tends to spread by word of mouth, which has been the case for some successful VR games like Gorilla Tag, which now boasts one million daily players and has generated $100 million in revenue over the past three years.
Voicu acknowledged that while massive hits like Gorilla Tag are rare, there’s still significant potential for growth in the extended reality (XR) space. He believes that smaller studios like MixRift can thrive by creating viral games and tapping into the evolving market for mixed reality gaming. With about 25 million MetaQuest devices sold, Voicu is confident that the market for XR gaming is big enough to support companies like his, even as larger studios dip in and out of the space.
Looking ahead, MixRift is working on two more game prototypes, though Voicu was tight-lipped on the details. He did, however, note the potential for multiplayer gaming in mixed reality. “I think these kinds of devices are better suited for multiplayer because the experience is better,” he said, hinting at the possibilities for more social, immersive gaming experiences.
With his sights set on the future, Voicu remains optimistic about where MixRift is headed. While he doesn’t expect to hit the $100 million mark overnight, he’s hopeful that in the next few years, MixRift’s games will reach that level of success. For now, his focus remains on refining game mechanics and finding out what truly captivates his audience.
“I’m okay if, in three or four years from now, we’re making $20 or $30 million a year,” Voicu said, demonstrating a pragmatic but hopeful approach to MixRift’s journey in the exciting and rapidly evolving world of mixed reality gaming.
