At Summer Game Fest 2025, you might have noticed the unveiling of Grounded 2, but there was another game showcased over the weekend that shares similarities with Grounded – it reduces its characters to insect size for an adventure. However, unlike Grounded, Cubit Studios’ Infinitesimals presents a unique twist. While it takes place on Earth and features a tiny protagonist, it doesn’t replicate Grounded’s survival game vibe that occasionally veers into horror. Instead, the gameplay mechanics and universal speed create an environment that feels more like a playground filled with action figures.
The concept for the game he’s been developing since 2013, as shared by its director James McWilliams, is a natural extension of his childhood fascinations. He’s always had a fondness for nature, and as a child, he was particularly captivated by tiny aspects within it, such as imagining himself as small among the grandeur of nature. Additionally, he shared an interest in science fiction, so he combined these two passions.
12 years ago, I started tinkering with an idea all by myself in the gaming world. With an Epic Games Mega Grant, I managed to assemble a team of four. Once Epic Games Publishing fully funded our project, we expanded to nine members. The demo I played showcased its lightning-fast speed, and though I had already applied some upgrades when I took control, the hero’s movement speed sets the pace faster than most games, with it only getting quicker from there!
As a gamer, I got the same thrill from that hoverpack; it kept me soaring higher and longer than expected. Dashing across the landscape with colossal feathered beasts watching, I spent more time than planned just for the joy of hovering. In fact, during battles, I’d often find myself using it for fun, even mid-combat, to add an extra dash of excitement to my firefights.
As a gamer, I was thoroughly captivated by this third-person action-adventure shooter, finding myself consistently impressed by its likeness to the intricate mechanics usually found in big-budget games. Infiltrating enemy strongholds, I discovered numerous entry points, allowing me to carry out a variety of tactics: from hacking sophisticated electrical grids, sneaking past guards and cameras undetected, to causing a ruckus and blazing my way through with the bravado of Commander-Shepard. The weaponry, modeled after military-grade equipment, provided an authentic feel, though at times the spread of gunfire seemed overly wide and unpredictable. However, I remain optimistic that these issues will be addressed before release, as the overall sense of adventure had me hooked otherwise.
The incorporation of humor played a significant role as well, yet McWilliams clarified that the story wouldn’t strictly be a humorous performance. Instead, he explained, “There are serious parts. There are instances, if you will, of what could be called tragedy, but there are also moments of lightness.
As a fan, I might initially assume that this game would evoke memories of A Bug’s Life due to its miniature characters and setting. However, as I delved deeper into the project, it strongly reminded me of Small Soldiers – a lesser-known but beloved classic. Unlike Toy Story, which is more family-friendly, Small Soldiers was grittier and less kid-focused. Yet, both manage to capture that magical essence of toys coming to life, an idea that every child has fantasized about at some point. In the same vein, the Infinitesimals aliens aren’t toys, but as I played the game, I couldn’t help but feel the same childlike spirit guiding this project.
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2025-06-11 21:09