Hidden Layer Games’ haunting puzzle platformer INMOST has reached a major milestone, surpassing 1.2 million players worldwide. The indie title, known for its emotional storytelling and moody pixel art aesthetic, is preparing for a new wave of players as it heads to mobile platforms later this month.

Originally released in 2019, INMOST is a narrative-driven adventure that weaves together the stories of three playable characters, exploring themes of grief, hope, and sacrifice. The game’s slow-burn atmosphere and hand-crafted animation have earned it critical praise and a devoted audience across PC, console, and Apple Arcade.

The studio’s founders, Andriy Vinchkovskiy and Alexey Testov, revealed that INMOST’s journey to success was nearly derailed before it began. Facing financial hardship and visa troubles while working as contract developers, the pair took a gamble on creating their dream project.

“Before we made INMOST, Alexey and I were struggling to make ends meet as contract game developers,” said Vinchkovskiy, technical director at Hidden Layer Games. “Not only were we facing losing our business, but also our homes.”

Testov, the studio’s art director, described the development as both a creative escape and a lifeline. “We had nothing left to lose,” he said. “We started working on a dark pixel art title. The demo went on to win us $30,000 at the DevGamm Awards — enough to save our business and ourselves from deportation.”

INMOST PREPARES FOR MOBILE DEBUT THIS HALLOWEEN

The timing of INMOST’s mobile release on October 28 couldn’t be more fitting. With Halloween approaching, players will soon be able to experience the game’s somber world on Android and iOS devices. Hidden Layer Games hopes to connect with new audiences through this launch.

“It’s crazy to think that since then 1.2 million people have played INMOST,” said Vinchkovskiy. “More than a few have told us the finale brought them to tears, and we hope new players find it just as meaningful and moving.”

INMOST is currently open for pre-registration on both app stores. The game is published by Chucklefish, the London-based studio known for supporting standout indie titles like Stardew Valley, Risk of Rain, and Eastward.