Reforj developer 4J Studios announces PC release date at Game Republic New Horizons

4J Studios revealed at Game Republic New Horizons that its open-world survival sandbox Reforj will launch a closed PC playtest in Q1 2027. The announcement was made during an interview with Chris van der Kuyl and Joseph "Stampy" Garrett, who discussed the game’s development approach. The playtest will be invite-only to ensure an optimized experience while the studio refines the game based on player input.

During the session, Garrett highlighted Reforj’s early access model, noting the game was announced with a prototype just nine months into development. He emphasized the studio’s direct engagement with players, with feedback sent weekly to CEO Patty Burns and lead designer Tom Fife, often leading to immediate game updates. The game is currently available to early testers on Xbox Series X|S through its Insider Program.

Garrett also explained the studio’s cautious approach to PC release, citing concerns about early leaks and compatibility issues. He noted Xbox’s early access benefits, including a controlled audience and consistent hardware, which helped refine the game before broader testing. The studio aims to ensure Reforj is ready for PC’s larger audience when fully released.

In addition to Reforj’s development, 4J Studios introduced Rixels, a technology integrated into its proprietary Elements Engine. Creative director Brian Gomez described Rixels as a memory-efficient alternative for providing textures, developed after the studio’s work porting Minecraft to consoles and handhelds.