Into the Fire is a new upcoming game by Starward Industries (the studio behind The Invincible) that puts players in the shoes of a person tasked fighting off the effects of a volcanic eruption while also having to deal with demons. The title features a unique take on the extraction shooter genre, complete with player progression that depends on figuring out the right tools for the job. Chief marketing officer for the studio, Maciej Dobrowolski was kind enough to answer some of our questions about Into the Fire.
To begin with, Into The Fire Looks spectacular not only from a tech perspective but also its art style is great. Can you please talk a bit about that?
Thank you so much! The visual style of Into the Fire was born from our fascination with the surreal power of volcanic landscapes. We wanted every frame to feel hypnotic, dangerous, and awe-inspiring. Our art team took inspiration from real volcanic footage, retrofuturistic gear, and spiritual, ritualistic aesthetics rooted in the cultures of volcanic regions. That combination—raw nature, analogue technology, and myth—creates a world that’s both familiar and dreamlike. Visually, it’s a place where science meets mysticism.
Drawing inspiration from the inventions of pioneering volcanologists, players rely on experimental gear such as unique retro vehicles, fireproof shields, and acid-resistant boats to endure the fire. The captivating retro aesthetics closely resemble the real-life projects of volcanologists, explorers, and adventurers, as published in scientific journals of the 20th century, as well as the sci-fi aesthetics inspired by those found in the novels of Jules Verne and vintage adventure magazines.
"We wanted every frame to feel hypnotic, dangerous, and awe-inspiring."
The visuals were also deeply inspired by the hypnotic, alluring, yet deadly power of a volcano during an eruption. We wanted the volcano not just to be a background element, but a living force—terrifying, beautiful, and unknowable.
Into the Fire is a big jump from the more contemplative nature of The Invincible. What prompted this radical shift in design philosophy?
We see Into the Fire as the natural evolution of our storytelling—still driven by depth and emotionally engaging themes, but with a more immediate, visceral intensity. While The Invincible focused on cosmic mystery and internal conflict, Into the Fire dives into human resilience in the face of overwhelming natural forces. We’re fascinated by how people react when pushed to the edge—by nature, by time, by responsibility. The idea sparked when we were watching Fire of Love, and the explosive, unpredictable nature of volcanoes inspired us to create a game where urgency, emotion, and decision-making under pressure drive the players’ experience. There’s a layer of mysticism and existential tension in how our characters relate to the world collapsing around them—but we also wanted a gameplay structure exciting enough to pull in a broader range of players. This theme feels especially timely today, as more and more people confront the raw power of nature in their own lives—whether through disasters, displacement, or the growing tension between human fragility and our planet in flux. Into the Fire is our way of exploring that emotional terrain through intense experiences. It’s a different tempo, but born from the same curiosity.
Extraction-styled games are often beloved for their brutal-but-rewarding progression systems. Will we do something similar in Into the Fire?
Definitely. Our game features mission-based progression closely tied to the Hub, our central safe zone. Each mission into the disaster zone is a risk—you choose your tools, your objective, and manage time under pressure. Success is not only about saving lives—whether it’s a person, a dog, or a bird—but also finding new clues and delving deeper into the world. Rescuing people allows you to learn more and brings you closer to unraveling the mystery of the island. Success means upgrades and new resources; failure can cost lives. The tension of extraction-style gameplay is there, but instead of loot, you’re extracting survivors, knowledge, and hope. It’s brutal, but emotionally rewarding.
"Success is not only about saving lives—whether it’s a person, a dog, or a bird—but also finding new clues and delving deeper into the world."
What are some of the stranger tools we’ll get to use in Into the Fire?
We leaned into the retrofuturistic and volcanological inspirations hard. Players can use gear like a fire suppression pistol, an extinguishing shotgun, or even a fire bomb launcher—designed not to kill, but to control chaos. There are also sleds to cross dangerous terrain, makeshift seismic detectors, and handcrafted inventions inspired by real-world volcanologist equipment—like shields for acid rain or gadgets for navigating lava flows. It’s weird science meets survival instinct.
Additionally, some of the tools are essential for dealing with mythical creatures that have only ever existed in terrifying legends up until now. These creatures, born from the island’s mysterious and volatile nature, require a unique approach. The weapons and devices are specifically designed not only to manage the eruption’s chaos but also to defend against these otherworldly adversaries.
How will progression work with The Hub?
The Hub is the heart of the game and also the central place where the story develops. It’s where you’ll regroup, upgrade gear, and plan your next missions. But it’s more than just a base—it expands with the number of people and animals you save, creating new relationships, stories, and emotional layers. As the Hub grows, it becomes more alive, and your own survival story unfolds. It also opens up new gameplay systems. You’ll use it to track missing persons, uncover the island’s secrets, and customize your rescue equipment. Every return to the Hub is a chance to breathe, reflect, and prepare for what’s next.
How will myths and other fantasy elements play into the story and setting of Into the Fire?
Volcanoes already feel mythical—they reshape the land, create and destroy, and they have inspired legends for centuries. We wanted to honor that. As the story unfolds, you’ll start to realize that the island holds secrets older than science—rituals, symbols, and forces that hint at another dimension. Myths in Into the Fire aren’t just flavor—they slowly creep into the gameplay, the environment, and the characters’ beliefs, blurring the lines between reality and something far older and deeper.
"We want players to feel the pressure of time not as a punishment, but as a storytelling device"
With time being an important resource to manage, how will a player’s failure at some tasks play into the narrative?
Failure will be part of the story. You can’t save everyone and that emotional weight is intentional. Missing a rescue, running out of time, or losing someone will echo in the narrative. Survivors may react to your choices, and the Hub may evolve differently based on who you save—or don’t. We want players to feel the pressure of time not as a punishment, but as a storytelling device: it creates urgency, shapes character arcs, and makes every second meaningful.
Will there be disasters other than volcanic eruptions and fire to deal with?
Yes, fire is just one of many dangers. The island’s environment is dynamic and hostile in surprising ways. You’ll face ash storms, collapsing terrain, gas leaks, and even environmental anomalies tied to the mysterious forces beneath the volcano. As the story progresses, new threats—both natural and supernatural—will emerge, challenging players to constantly adapt their survival strategies. The escalating dangers will push you to rethink how to navigate this volatile world, where even the land beneath your feet can be as dangerous as the fire above.
Are there any plans to release the game on Switch 2, PS5 and Xbox Series X | S?
Our priority is to deliver a smooth and visually stunning experience across platforms, so we’re keeping our options open and listening closely to the community. We’re starting with Early Access on Steam, but our goal is to bring the game to all major platforms in the future. We’re aiming for a broad release, with PS5 and Xbox Series X|S definitely in our sights. As for Switch 2—let’s just say we’re excited by its potential and are actively exploring it.