Beat Games

Beat Games is a virtual reality game development studio based in Prague, Czechia, best known for creating Beat Saber. Its work combines rhythm-based gameplay, motion tracking and synchronized music and visuals, with players using directional sword movements to slice blocks in time with a soundtrack.

The studio develops and maintains its games through an integrated production process spanning game design, software engineering, audio production and level choreography. Its capabilities include Unity 3D engine optimization for VR, spatial motion tracking and hand-crafted beatmaps. Ongoing development encompasses engine updates, title maintenance, new features and downloadable music content.

Building a music-driven VR game

Beat Saber entered early access on Steam and PC VR in May 2018, reached PlayStation VR in November that year, and became available on standalone Meta Quest in May 2019. Its combination of electronic music, neon visuals and precise physical interaction established the foundation for an expanding game and music ecosystem.

Music licensing and downloadable content are central to that continued development. Beat Games has released paid music packs featuring artists including Imagine Dragons, Linkin Park, Queen, BTS, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, The Rolling Stones and Metallica. Producing these releases brings together commercial licensing, track mapping and gameplay choreography.

Origins and development

The studio grew from the creative partnership of Slovak developers Ján Ilavský and Vladimír Hrinčár, whose earlier independent work appeared under the name Hyperbolic Magnetism. Composer and producer Jaroslav Beck joined them after encountering their rhythm-based VR sword prototypes in late 2017, and the trio incorporated Beat Games in February 2018.

Facebook acquired the company in November 2019, bringing it into Oculus Studios. Beat Games continues operating within Meta's Reality Labs organization, retaining its dedicated Prague development team and studio identity while drawing on its parent company's infrastructure to support ongoing production and music releases.