4J Studios is developing the voxel sandbox game Recast, positioning it as a new option within the genre. Built on the studio's proprietary Elements Engine, the early version is currently undergoing closed testing on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
This Scottish team previously handled the official console versions of Minecraft for many years. Studio chairman Chris van der Kuyl stated that 4J Studios has no intention of replacing or eliminating Minecraft; rather, they hope voxel-building sandboxes will evolve into a distinct genre capable of supporting multiple major titles, much like first-person shooters.
Recast is designed for 2020s hardware and player expectations, with a focus on faster building speeds and improved data processing efficiency. The Elements Engine has been in secret development for about nine years, while the game itself has been in production for roughly two years. Moving away from traditional pixel art, the visuals present a more detailed sci-fi environment, combining procedural generation, physics systems, and smooth terrain deformation.
Content creator Joseph Garrett, formerly known as Stampy Cat, has joined the studio as a full-time game designer. He is responsible for logic components, maglev transport line building tools, and custom zones that allow players to set specific gravity rules during gameplay.
4J Studios has opted not to launch an early version on Steam for now, instead focusing current testing on fixed-spec console hardware. The ongoing closed beta is being conducted through internal programs on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.