Illusion Ray
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2009
- Employees
- 1-10
- Offices
- 1
About Illusion Ray
Illusion Ray is an independent Polish game developer and publisher based in Szczecin. Established in 2009, the studio works on narrative-driven psychological thrillers, survival horror and action RPGs for PC and consoles. Its background combines real-time game development with stereoscopic film production and interactive virtual reality experiences.
The studio initially produced computer animation, stereoscopic films and simulations for 5D and 7D dynamic cinemas. Early productions included Dino Safari, Motoride, Afterlife, The Colossus, Pirates 3D and the 7Dmax cinema project Solar System. This work provided a foundation in real-time rendering and detailed digital environments before the company moved into full-scale commercial games.
From cinematic experiences to survival horror
Illusion Ray began prototyping The Beast Inside in 2016. The psychological survival horror game combines a dual-protagonist narrative with the studio's experience in photogrammetry and environment creation. Released for PC in October 2019, it subsequently reached PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in 2022, followed by Nintendo Switch in 2024. The supplied research reports sales exceeding 600,000 copies across Steam, GOG and Humble Bundle.
The company's production capabilities include full-cycle game development, game design, character and environment art, level design, photogrammetry asset scanning, and console porting supervision and optimization. Its technical work spans Unreal Engine 4 and Unreal Engine 5, advanced 3D scanning and ray tracing.
Projects in development
As of November 2026, the studio's announced development slate includes Dreadforge, The Beast Inside 2 and Lightmare. Dreadforge is a dieselpunk dark fantasy action RPG previously announced under the working title Wardogz; its new title was announced in March 2025. The three projects are listed for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2, with Illusion Ray serving as developer and publisher. These projects extend its portfolio beyond its first commercial horror release while continuing its work in interactive entertainment.
More about Illusion Ray
Leadership and operating model
- Łukasz Smaga, also known as Lucas Smaga, is the founder and CEO. His earlier production experience includes Platige Image and Fuero Games.
- The studio supplements its small core team with external contractors and co-development partners.
Recognition
- The Beast Inside received a Special Prize at the Pixel Awards in 2018 and a Webby Award for Best Visual Design in 2020. These distinctions were awarded to the game.
Publishing and corporate milestones
- A global publishing agreement with Movie Games was signed in 2017, followed by a Kickstarter campaign in 2018 that raised more than US$83,000. The Movie Games publishing rights expired at the end of 2021.
- The joint-stock company was established with Bellwether Rocks ASI S.A. in 2020. Smaga contributed intellectual property rights, including sequel rights, to the company.
- A Series E equity offering in 2022 supported internal production and brought share capital to PLN 915,250.20.
Notable credits
10 creditsOffices
Where Illusion Ray is based
- ul. Cyfrowa 6, 71-441 Szczecin, PolandSzczecin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland
Szczecin Studio & Corporate Headquarters
HeadquartersStudio and corporate headquarters within the Technopark Pomerania complex.
Open roles
Find your next role at Illusion Ray