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Infinity Blade

Infinity Blade is a trilogy of action role-playing video games developed by Chair Entertainment in collaboration with Epic Games and published by Epic Games exclusively for iOS devices.^[1]^[2] The series, powered by Unreal Engine 3, is renowned for its pioneering use of advanced graphics and touch-based controls on mobile platforms, featuring swipe gestures for immersive sword combat.^[3]^[4] Released between 2010 and 2013, the games follow an unnamed protagonist in a post-apocalyptic world, battling through one-on-one duels in derelict fortresses to confront the immortal God King and his forces, incorporating RPG elements like character progression, equipment customization, and permadeath mechanics that reset progress upon defeat.^[2]^[5] The first installment, Infinity Blade, launched on December 9, 2010, introducing players to a linear yet replayable structure centered on ascending the God King's tower through escalating challenges.^[5]^[3] Infinity Blade II, released on December 1, 2011, expanded the world with larger environments, multiplayer ClashMob modes, and deeper narrative ties to immortality and ancient artifacts.^[6]^[7] The trilogy concluded with Infinity Blade III on September 18, 2013, adding cooperative play, enhanced customization, and a focus on family lineage in the ongoing struggle against the Deathless overlords.^[8] Each title received critical acclaim for its visuals and combat innovation, with Metacritic scores ranging from 78 to 89, though some noted repetitive gameplay.^[4]^[7]^[8] Complementing the games, author Brandon Sanderson penned two tie-in novellas: Infinity Blade: Awakening (2011), which bridges the first and second games by exploring the protagonist's origins and the titular blade's power, and Infinity Blade: Redemption (2013), delving into the lore of the Deathless and the world's mysteries.^[9] These works, published digitally via iBooks, provide standalone entry points while enriching the series' fantasy elements of reincarnation, ancient technology, and rebellion.^[9] In December 2018, Epic Games delisted the entire trilogy from the App Store, citing challenges in maintaining high-quality support amid shifting priorities, though existing owners could continue playing and redownloading via their Apple ID.^[10]^[11] The series' legacy endures through its influence on mobile gaming and nods in Epic's Fortnite, where the Infinity Blade appears as a powerful melee weapon introduced in Season 7 (2018). In 2024, unofficial fan ports brought the games to PC for preservation and modern play.^[12]^[13]

Gameplay

Combat System

The combat system in Infinity Blade revolves around intuitive touch-screen controls optimized for mobile devices, emphasizing one-on-one duels against formidable enemies in a real-time action RPG framework. Players initiate attacks by swiping across the screen in various directions, allowing for different strike types and chaining into combos that build momentum in battle. An upward swipe, horizontal swipe, or downward swipe can contribute to varied combos, such as three alternating swipes for 200% damage or four directional swipes for 250% output.^[14] These gestures enable fluid, responsive swordplay, where alternating swipe directions can chain into more damaging multi-hit combos.^[14] Defensive mechanics add depth to engagements, requiring precise timing to survive intense boss fights. Parrying involves swiping in the same or opposite direction as an incoming enemy attack just before impact, potentially triggering a "clash" prompt for counter-combos if executed perfectly; failure results in vulnerability.^[14] Blocking is achieved by tapping and holding the shield icon on-screen, which consumes a block meter that depletes with each hit and can lead to a block break, opening the defender to attacks—though blocked strikes still inflict minor chip damage to wear down health over time.^[14] Dodging side-steps threats by tapping the left or right edges of the screen in the direction opposite the attack, providing brief windows for retaliation but limited by stamina constraints.^[14] A stamina system governs special abilities, accumulating through successful swings or damage dealt and enabling a powerful super move that interrupts enemies for uninterrupted combos.^[14] Inventory management integrates directly with combat effectiveness, as players equip items like swords, armor, helmets, shields, rings, and potions via a pre-battle menu, each bearing stats such as attack power for increased strike damage, defense to mitigate incoming harm, and health regeneration tied to healing spells (e.g., restoring 2250 health plus 25 per magic point).^[14] These elements tie into broader role-playing progression, where leveling up enhances base attributes to support sustained combat performance.^[15] The system leverages Unreal Engine 3 for seamless real-time lighting, dynamic shadows, and high-fidelity animations, rendering visceral one-on-one boss encounters with lifelike weapon clashes and environmental immersion on mobile hardware.^[16]

Progression and Exploration

Infinity Blade's progression revolves around the bloodline mechanic, in which the player's character, upon death, passes equipped gear to a descendant heir, resetting the run but enabling gradual advancement through better starting equipment in subsequent playthroughs. This cycle fosters persistent attempts to delve deeper into the castle, as inherited items provide incremental advantages against escalating enemy strength across bloodlines.^[17] Players accumulate experience points (XP) from combat victories to level up, earning skill points that can be invested in core attributes including health, attack power, shield defense, and magic potency, thereby unlocking enhancements in strength, agility, and related capabilities. Gold harvested from foes supports equipment upgrades and purchases, reinforcing long-term character building without exhaustive grinding.^[18] Exploration unfolds in the game's linear yet immersive Dark Citadel, a towering 3D castle traversed via interconnected halls and chambers, where players uncover hidden rooms behind breakable walls or secret doors, solve environmental puzzles like lever mechanisms to reveal paths, and engage vendors in alcoves to acquire superior weapons, armor, and accessories. These interactions emphasize strategic navigation over open-world freedom, with swipe-based controls briefly facilitating traversal between combat encounters.^[17] Upon completing the initial playthrough by defeating the God King, New Game+ mode activates, replaying the castle with heightened enemy difficulty and more formidable bosses while preserving the player's level and accumulated XP to allocate further skill points, though gold and non-purchased items reset to promote re-earning through intensified challenges. This loop supports equipment mastery, capping item levels higher per cycle for sustained power growth.^[18]

Story and Setting

Plot Overview

Infinity Blade centers on a lone warrior from a storied bloodline who embarks on a perilous journey to the Dark Citadel, intent on slaying the tyrannical God King who rules with an iron fist over a fractured world.^[19] The narrative unfolds as an ascent through the foreboding castle, where the protagonist confronts a series of formidable guardians and soldiers in increasingly intense battles, driven by a legacy of unyielding determination. This initial incursion sets the stage for the game's core premise: a generational quest for justice in a realm blending medieval fantasy with remnants of lost, advanced technology.^[20] The story's structure revolves around a time-loop mechanism tied to the Infinity Blade, a legendary weapon that embodies immortality and reincarnation, propelling the tale across multiple generations of the warrior's lineage. Upon defeat, the narrative seamlessly transitions to the next heir, who inherits partial knowledge and resources from prior attempts, allowing progression through the citadel's layered defenses and uncovering hints of deeper mysteries. This cyclical progression highlights key events such as escalating confrontations with the God King's lieutenants, revealing the futility of isolated vengeance while emphasizing inherited sacrifice as the bloodline persists against overwhelming odds.^[17]^[20] Thematically, the game explores vengeance as a double-edged sword, where each generation's pursuit of retribution perpetuates a cycle of loss and renewal, underscoring the sacrifices demanded in a post-apocalyptic landscape scarred by ancient cataclysms and god-like tyrants wielding forbidden powers. Set against this backdrop, the plot critiques the endless repetition of conflict, with the Infinity Blade serving as both a symbol of hope and a curse binding the protagonists to their doomed path. The narrative culminates in multiple endings influenced by player choices during pivotal encounters, ensuring the bloodline's continuation while hinting at broader implications for the world's fate.^[19]^[17]

Characters and Lore

The lore of Infinity Blade centers on a world blending medieval fantasy with advanced science fiction elements, where immortal beings known as the Deathless dominate humanity through technology-enabled rebirth and unyielding power. The Sacrifice civilization, residing in remote villages across Lantimor, wages a symbolic yet desperate war against this oppression by upholding the Tradition of the Sacrifice—a ritual where a chosen champion from a single bloodline challenges the God King each generation. This practice, born from ancient defeats, represents humanity's defiant stand, with each failed attempt feeding into a cycle of incremental empowerment for future warriors via artifacts like the Infinity Blade. The narrative hints at a deeper sci-fi undercurrent, including cloning vats for Deathless regeneration and AI-like entities manipulating events from the shadows.^[17] Siris is the protagonist, a warrior from the Sacrifice bloodline, embodying the archetype of generational heroism as the latest in a line of descendants trained solely to infiltrate the Dark Citadel and confront the God King. Motivated by duty to his people and the weight of ancestral failures, he wields the Infinity Blade—a heirloom sword that absorbs the essences of slain foes to grow stronger— in a quest for liberation, unaware at first of his own ties to the immortal conflicts shaping the world. His story underscores themes of inherited resolve, as each death in the lineage powers ancient mechanisms designed to one day end the tyranny.^[17] Opposing him is the God King, Raidriar, an immortal Deathless who rules as a god-like tyrant, demanding tributes and sacrifices to sustain his dominion over the Dark Citadel and beyond. Powered by the stolen Infinity Blade and his ability to rebirth in cloning chambers, Raidriar's motivations stem from an insatiable drive for control, having risen from the ancient wars among the Deathless to claim supremacy. Lore subtly reveals his origins as a warrior in a pre-cataclysm era, where conflicts involving AI constructs and quantum imprints led to the creation of immortality tech, transforming him from potential hero to oppressor.^[17] Supporting the Sacrifice's journey is the Worker of Secrets, a mysterious, imprisoned entity encountered within the Citadel's vaults, who serves as an enigmatic ally by offering insights and upgrades to the Infinity Blade. Portrayed as an ancient AI or transhuman construct from a lost civilization, the Worker's motivations appear benevolent at first—guiding the hero toward victory—but hints suggest a hidden agenda tied to the origins of the Deathless and the Blade's creation as a tool to end immortality. Other figures include guardians like Thane, a formidable Deathless knight loyal to the God King, who blocks paths in the Citadel as a test of worthiness, and the protagonist's father, the prior Sacrifice whose spectral guidance and prior defeat underscore the bloodline's tragic legacy. These elements weave a tapestry of betrayal and redemption, adding layers to the sci-fi mythology of cloning and artificial resurrection.^[17]

Development

Conception

Infinity Blade's conception originated in mid-2009 at Chair Entertainment, shortly after the release of their Xbox Live Arcade title Shadow Complex, when the studio began brainstorming a new project focused on fantasy elements with underlying sci-fi themes.^[21] Initially sparked by Microsoft's announcement of Kinect at E3 2009, the team explored ideas for a motion-controlled sword-fighting game that would leverage full-body gestures for immersive combat.^[21] Donald Mustard, co-founder and creative director at Chair, described the early discussions as a hypothetical exercise: "If we were going to make a Kinect title, what would we make?"^[22] By early 2010, following demonstrations of Unreal Engine 3's capabilities on the iPhone 3GS at the Game Developers Conference, Chair pivoted the concept to iOS, recognizing the touchscreen's potential for precise swipe-based controls that mimicked natural sword swings and parries, drawing inspiration from iPhone multitouch gestures.^[21] The project was formally announced as an iOS title at E3 2010, shifting away from Kinect to emphasize mobile innovation.^[21] This adaptation refined the core mechanics, making swipe gestures central to combat while adapting the scale for portable play.^[22] The game's narrative structure was influenced by the time-loop progression in Jordan Mechner's Karateka, where players repeatedly challenge a formidable opponent in a castle, restarting upon death to build strength and uncover story layers—a mechanic Mustard noted as a foundational model for Infinity Blade's reincarnation system.^[23] Combat drew from the fluid, one-on-one duels in Prince of Persia and Karateka, emphasizing timing and precision over complex combos, while the overall atmosphere evoked the "lonely epicness" of Shadow of the Colossus through vast, isolated boss encounters in a foreboding world.^[23] Chair Entertainment, under Mustard's leadership, envisioned Infinity Blade as a premium mobile RPG that would elevate iOS gaming beyond casual titles, featuring cinematic boss fights against towering, god-like foes to deliver console-quality spectacle on handheld devices.^[24] This ambition aimed to create an adrenaline-fueled adventure with deep progression, setting a new standard for touch-based action RPGs.^[24] A playable prototype, then codenamed Project Sword, was showcased at Apple's special event on September 1, 2010, where Steve Jobs demonstrated its touch controls and Unreal Engine visuals, highlighting the game's potential to push iOS hardware limits and generating significant buzz for its innovative gesture-driven battles.^[17]

Production

Infinity Blade was developed by a 12-person team at Chair Entertainment, a studio acquired by Epic Games in 2008.^[25] Epic Games supported the project by optimizing Unreal Engine 3 for iOS devices, enabling high-fidelity graphics on mobile hardware.^[26] The development timeline spanned five months starting in mid-2010, equivalent to about 100 working days, following an initial concept phase where a six-person subgroup pitched numerous ideas.^[23] This compressed schedule emphasized mobile-specific constraints, such as short play sessions and touch-based interaction, while prioritizing performance to deliver console-quality visuals on the iPhone 4.^[26] A key innovation was the custom swipe input system, which used single-finger gestures for precise sword swings, thrusts, and parries, tailored to the touchscreen's limitations like finger occlusion and lack of haptic feedback.^[23] Combat animations drew inspiration from classics like Karateka, focusing on fluid, readable motion to enhance the sense of weight and impact in duels.^[23] The team faced significant challenges in balancing touch controls for combat precision, as players' fingers often blocked the screen and provided no physical resistance, requiring careful design to maintain intuitive yet responsive gameplay.^[26] Achieving consistent 60 frames per second on the iPhone 4's hardware demanded optimizations in rendering and asset management, including simplified environments and targeted visual effects to avoid performance dips during intense fights.^[27]

Release and Expansions

Initial Release

Infinity Blade was released on December 9, 2010, exclusively through the Apple App Store for iOS devices, with compatibility optimized for the iPhone 4 and fourth-generation iPod Touch, though it also supported the iPhone 3GS, third-generation iPod Touch, and iPad running iOS 4.0 or later.^[28]^[29] The game marked a significant technical achievement as the first iOS title powered by Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3, showcasing advanced graphics and real-time rendering capabilities on mobile hardware.^[30] Priced at $5.99 as a universal app, Infinity Blade promised free post-launch updates to expand content without additional costs to players, a model that emphasized ongoing value for the initial purchase.^[31]^[32] This pricing strategy positioned it as a premium mobile title, higher than many contemporaries, reflecting its ambitious production and technical showcase.^[33] The game's marketing leveraged high-profile exposure, including its debut reveal as "Project Sword" during Apple's September 2010 special event keynote, where Epic demonstrated its Unreal Engine integration on iOS devices.^[34]^[30] Further promotion tied into Apple's advertising campaigns for the iPhone 4 and iPad, highlighting Infinity Blade's visuals to underscore the power of new hardware.^[35] Upon launch, Infinity Blade achieved immediate commercial success, generating $1.6 million in revenue within its first four days from over 270,000 downloads, setting a record as the fastest-grossing iOS app at the time.^[36] By the end of 2011, the title had amassed over $23 million in sales, translating to more than four million downloads and establishing it as a benchmark for mobile gaming viability.^[37]^[38] This strong debut validated the investment in high-fidelity mobile experiences and prompted rapid community engagement through leaderboards and social features.^[39]

Updates and DLC

Chair Entertainment released four major free updates for Infinity Blade between December 2010 and October 2011, significantly expanding the game's content with new enemies, equipment, areas, and gameplay modes. The first update, version 1.1, launched on December 20, 2010, introducing the Marrow Fiend as a new enemy, five additional swords, five shields, five helmets, and one new armor set, while raising the experience level cap from 40 to 45 to encourage further progression.^[40]^[41] This update also implemented microtransactions for purchasing premium items, allowing players to acquire equipment without grinding.^[41] The second update, "The Deathless Kings" (version 1.2), arrived on March 2, 2011, adding a new "Dungeon" environment beneath the castle with six additional arenas, effectively doubling the explorable space.^[42]^[43] It introduced three formidable Deathless Kings as bosses, alongside two new enemies—the Iron Guard and the Warden—along with over 30 new items including magic rings, swords, shields, helmets, and armor.^[42]^[44] Features like multiple character slots for shared play and new Game Center achievements further enhanced accessibility and social integration.^[43] Version 1.3, titled "The Arena," released on May 19, 2011, brought multiplayer functionality through Game Center with the titular Arena mode, where one player acts as a knight and another as a titan in 1v1 duels.^[45]^[46] It also added Survivor mode, a wave-based endurance challenge, plus new single-player items such as weapons and armor sets to support extended campaigns.^[47]^[48] The fourth update, Content Pack #4 (version 1.4), followed in early October 2011, coinciding with the release of the tie-in novel Infinity Blade: Awakening.^[49] It included the RookBane as a new enemy, additional magic rings, swords, shields, and helmets, along with hidden dungeon areas to deepen exploration.^[49]^[50] These expansions collectively introduced diverse equipment sets, such as thematic armor and weaponry, promoting varied build strategies. Subsequent technical patches addressed compatibility with iOS updates, including bug fixes for crashes, balance adjustments to combat mechanics like parry timing and enemy AI, and optimizations for newer devices such as improved lighting and texture rendering.^[51] For instance, later versions added support for multiple languages and audio volume controls to refine the user experience.^[52] These updates greatly boosted replayability by integrating New Game+ enhancements, such as retaining upgraded gear across playthroughs with newly added items, and introducing cosmetic options alongside functional equipment.^[42] The multiplayer Arena and Survivor modes, combined with expanded dungeons and boss variety, encouraged repeated ascents of the tower and competitive play, extending the game's lifespan beyond the initial release.^[46]^[47]

Reception

Critical Response

Infinity Blade received widespread critical acclaim for its technical achievements and innovative gameplay on iOS devices, garnering a Metacritic score of 87/100 from 32 critic reviews.^[4] Critics frequently praised its stunning graphics, which pushed the boundaries of mobile hardware, creating an immersive atmosphere in a fully realized 3D castle environment.^[53] The game's combat system was highlighted as a revolutionary use of touch controls, allowing intuitive swordplay through swipes and taps that simulated realistic melee battles, elevating mobile gaming standards.^[20] Immersive boss fights were particularly celebrated for their tension and spectacle, blending gesture-based action with strategic parrying and blocking.^[54] Despite these strengths, reviewers noted some flaws in the game's design. The core structure was criticized for its repetitive nature, as players traverse the same linear path through the castle across multiple playthroughs, or "bloodlines," to progress the story and upgrade gear.^[54] Additionally, each cycle was described as relatively short, typically lasting 3-5 hours for an initial completion, which some felt limited the overall depth despite the replayability.^[20] The game earned several prestigious awards and nominations. It won the 2011 Apple Design Award for its exemplary integration of hardware and software capabilities.^[55] Infinity Blade was also nominated for Portable Game of the Year at the 14th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards (D.I.C.E. Awards).^[56] Notable reviews underscored these aspects. IGN awarded it a 9/10, commending how it "pushes iOS to its limits" with unparalleled visuals and addictive combat that made it one of the best titles on the platform.^[20] TouchArcade gave it a perfect 5/5 rating, emphasizing the narrative depth that unfolds across replays, revealing a rich lore through environmental storytelling and character revelations despite the light RPG elements.^[57]

Commercial Performance

Infinity Blade achieved rapid commercial success following its December 2010 release on the App Store. The game generated $1.6 million in revenue within its first four days, equivalent to over 274,000 downloads at its $5.99 price point. By June 2011, six months after launch, it had earned $10 million in net revenue. Revenue continued to climb, surpassing $20 million by October 2011 alongside 5 million paid downloads. By the end of 2011, the title had grossed over $23 million, establishing it as a landmark premium mobile game. The game's strong performance propelled it to the top of the App Store's paid charts for several weeks, underscoring its market dominance in the early iOS gaming era. This breakthrough significantly boosted Epic Games' mobile portfolio, marking Infinity Blade as the company's most profitable franchise to date. Its success in premium sales also outpaced contemporaries such as Dead Space Mobile, which struggled to match similar download and revenue benchmarks despite shared high-production ambitions. Infinity Blade adhered to a consistent $5.99 upfront pricing model, eschewing free-to-play mechanics in favor of quality-driven purchases. Expansions like Infinity Blade: The Souls and Infinity Blade: The Deathless were released for free, designed to enhance retention and drive optional in-app purchases for items like armor and weapons. Critical acclaim further fueled its downloads, with the game's innovative visuals and gameplay attracting millions of users over its lifetime.

Sequels and Adaptations

Direct Sequels

Infinity Blade II, developed by Chair Entertainment and published by Epic Games, was released on December 1, 2011, for iOS devices at a price of $6.99.^[58]^[59] The game shifts the protagonist from the nameless warrior of the original to Siris, who, after defeating the God-King Raidriar, embarks on a quest through the Vault of Tears to uncover deeper secrets of the Deathless immortals.^[60] Key innovations include expanded exploration mechanics, moving away from the first game's linear path to a more intricate, maze-like castle environment viewed from a side perspective, allowing players to navigate intertwining corridors and discover hidden items.^[61] Combat retains the signature swipe-based system but introduces multiple weapon classes—light, heavy, and dual-wielded—along with customizable gems for upgrades, encouraging diverse playstyles.^[61] A free update later added ClashMob, a cooperative multiplayer mode where players team up in social battles against waves of enemies.^[62] The title generated $5 million in revenue during its first month of availability.^[63] Infinity Blade III, the trilogy's conclusion also developed by Chair Entertainment and published by Epic Games, launched on September 18, 2013, for iOS at $6.99, incorporating microtransactions for additional items.^[64]^[65] Players control both Siris and his companion Isa, each with distinct combat abilities, as they confront the Worker of Secrets in a narrative that resolves the cyclical sacrifices introduced in the original game—where warriors repeatedly challenge the God-King only to be reborn and try again.^[66] The game expands exploration into larger, more open environments across multiple locations, introducing a clan-like ally system where players recruit companions to aid in battles and progression.^[67] Swipe combat evolves further with enhanced animations and strategic depth, powered by advanced Unreal Engine 3 features for improved visuals and performance on newer iOS hardware.^[65] Multiplayer returns with expanded ClashMob modes supporting cooperative and competitive play in a "massively social" framework.^[67] Across both sequels, the core swipe-to-strike mechanics persist, building on the original's innovative touch controls while leveraging iterative Unreal Engine enhancements for richer graphics and fluid animations.^[68] Narratively, they deepen the lore of immortality and sacrifice, culminating in III's resolution of the Deathless hierarchy and the Infinity Blade's true purpose, transforming the series from isolated duels into a broader epic.^[66]

Books and Other Media

The Infinity Blade series expanded beyond its core iOS games through tie-in novellas that delved into the franchise's lore, providing narrative depth to characters and events only hinted at in gameplay. These prose works, authored by fantasy novelist Brandon Sanderson in collaboration with Chair Entertainment and Epic Games, served as prequels and bridges, enriching the world's mythology of the Deathless immortals, the God King, and the titular weapon without incorporating interactive elements.^[9] Infinity Blade: Awakening, released in October 2011 as an ebook novella, acts as a prequel centered on the origins of protagonist Siris, a young knight who journeys to the Dark Citadel to confront the tyrannical God King and claim the Infinity Blade—a legendary sword capable of slaying immortals. The story explores Siris's heritage and the blade's creation amid a realm where advanced technology masquerades as magic, setting the stage for the events of the first game while introducing key lore about the Worker of Secrets and the cycle of rebirth among the Deathless. Available digitally for $2.99 through platforms like the iBookstore, it was praised for blending Sanderson's intricate world-building with the game's sword-fighting motif, though its brevity limited deeper character arcs.^[9]^[69] Following in September 2013, Infinity Blade: Redemption continues directly from the first game's conclusion, bridging to Infinity Blade II by following Siris and the deposed God King as they escape imprisonment in the Vault of Tears and lead a rebellion against the enigmatic Worker of Secrets. The novella uncovers truths about the Deathless' immortality, the Infinity Blade's role in their downfall, and the broader geopolitical struggles involving human slaves and immortal overlords, filling narrative gaps between the games' generational conflicts. Like its predecessor, it was released as a digital ebook, emphasizing thematic elements of redemption and deception that enhance the franchise's exploration of fate and technology.^[9] Beyond literature, the Infinity Blade universe saw minor extensions in other media formats. In 2011, Chair Entertainment and Epic Games partnered with Adrenaline Amusements to release Infinity Blade FX, an arcade cabinet adaptation of the original game's touchscreen swordplay, featuring large multi-touch screens for coin-operated play at locations like Dave & Buster's. This port retained the core mechanics of one-on-one duels against Titans but adapted them for public arcade settings, marking an early effort to translate mobile gaming to physical venues.^[70] A brief nod to the series appeared in Epic Games' Fortnite Battle Royale in December 2018, with the introduction of the Infinity Blade as a powerful mythic sword weapon—a single item available at a specific location on the map—allowing players to one-shot opponents and teleport, directly referencing the artifact's lore from the Infinity Blade trilogy. It was vaulted shortly after its introduction due to community backlash over its overpowering nature but was reintroduced in Blitz Royale mode on June 20, 2025, before being vaulted again later that year.^[71]^[72] The crossover highlighted the enduring cultural footprint of the blade as a symbol of epic confrontation, without deeper narrative integration.^[71] Collectively, these books and media adaptations played a crucial role in the franchise by expanding its lore through non-interactive storytelling and accessible formats, allowing fans to explore the Worker, God King, and Deathless hierarchies in greater detail while bridging the episodic nature of the games' narratives. The novellas, in particular, provided canonical depth to Siris's arc and the world's technological mysticism, ensuring the Infinity Blade's universe persisted beyond gameplay limitations.^[9]

Legacy

Technological Impact

Infinity Blade pioneered the use of Unreal Engine 3 on iOS devices, becoming the first mobile game to leverage the engine's advanced capabilities for high-end 3D graphics and performance. Released in 2010, it demonstrated that console-quality visuals, including detailed environments and real-time lighting, could be achieved on handheld hardware like the iPhone 4 and iPad, setting new benchmarks for mobile rendering techniques and optimization. This technical feat was highlighted by Epic Games as a breakthrough that "forever changed the landscape of mobile gaming" by enabling immersive 3D worlds previously thought impossible on smartphones.^[16] The game's success significantly influenced Epic Games' expansion into mobile development, solidifying their commitment to the platform and fostering growth in their mobile division following the 2008 acquisition of Chair Entertainment. By showcasing Unreal Engine's viability on iOS, Infinity Blade paved the way for subsequent engine ports and mobile adaptations, including enhanced support in Unreal Engine 4 for touch-based interfaces and cross-platform titles. This legacy extended to Epic's later projects, such as the 2018 mobile release of Fortnite, while incorporating elements like the iconic sword as a direct homage.^[12] On the technical front, Infinity Blade's swipe-based combat system—where gestures directly translated to sword swings, parries, and dodges—introduced intuitive touch controls that influenced mechanics in subsequent mobile titles, emphasizing gesture precision over traditional buttons. Additionally, its $5.99 launch price proved the viability of premium pricing for mobile apps, generating over $30 million in revenue in its first year, which challenged the dominance of free-to-play models and encouraged developers to pursue high-production-value paid experiences.^[73] Infinity Blade received recognition for elevating mobile gaming's artistic and technical potential, winning the Excellence in Design award at the 2011 International Mobile Gaming Awards and nominations from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. In 2010s industry discourse, it was credited with transforming perceptions of mobile as a legitimate medium for sophisticated storytelling and visuals, inspiring a wave of premium 3D titles that prioritized artistic depth over casual gameplay.^[74]

Cultural and Preservation Issues

Infinity Blade holds a significant place in mobile gaming history as a pioneering title from the early 2010s, often credited with elevating graphical and technical standards for iOS games through its use of Unreal Engine 3.^[17] Released in 2010, it demonstrated the potential for console-quality experiences on mobile devices, influencing perceptions of the platform's capabilities during a formative era for app-based gaming.^[75] Dedicated fan communities have sustained its cultural footprint, particularly through online platforms where enthusiasts share playthroughs, lore analyses, and nostalgic content. On YouTube, retrospectives such as detailed video essays have garnered hundreds of thousands of views, highlighting the trilogy's intricate narrative of generational sacrifice and redemption as a standout element amid its visual spectacle.^[76] These efforts underscore the game's enduring appeal, even as official access has waned, fostering discussions on its role as a milestone in mobile storytelling. In February 2025, fans launched campaigns calling for an official comeback, particularly on Epic Games' emerging mobile store platform.^[77] The trilogy's availability ended abruptly on December 10, 2018, when Epic Games removed all three titles from the Apple App Store, citing challenges in maintaining compatibility with evolving iOS hardware and the cessation of Unreal Engine 3 support for the platform.^[78] As of November 2025, no official re-release or port has materialized, leaving existing owners able to redownload but facing risks from future iOS updates that could render the games unplayable.^[79] Preservation initiatives have largely fallen to the community, with anonymous modders developing unofficial PC ports starting in 2024, including a port for the first game with enhancements for Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck compatibility, followed by a port for Infinity Blade II released in April 2025. Efforts are ongoing for a potential port of the third game.^[80]^[13]^[81] Archived versions and ROMs have surfaced on sites like the Internet Archive, while fan petitions and calls for an official remaster circulate online, emphasizing the need to safeguard such titles. These grassroots actions contribute to broader conversations on digital heritage, illustrating how mobile games like Infinity Blade risk vanishing due to platform dependencies and lack of industry archiving.^[82] In retrospect, the series symbolizes the pitfalls of the mobile industry's shift toward freemium models in the mid-2010s, where premium titles like the initial Infinity Blade struggled against the dominance of free-to-play "timekillers" that prioritized microtransactions over longevity.^[83] This evolution contributed to its dormancy after 2013 and eventual delisting, yet the trilogy's narrative depth continues to receive praise in gaming histories, positioning it as a cautionary example of accessibility erosion in digital media.^[76]

References

[1]
Official Infinity Blade Website
### Summary of Infinity Blade Series
[2]
Infinity Blade - IGN
Rating 9/10 · Review by IGNDevelopers. Epic Games, Chair Entertainment ; Publishers. Epic Games ; Franchises. Infinity Blade ; Features. Online, System Link / LAN, Offline Versus Multiplayer ...Missing: trilogy | Show results with:trilogy
[3]
Infinity Blade | Polygon
Released: December 9, 2010 ; Developer(s): ChAIR Entertainment, Epic Games ; Publisher(s): Epic Games ; Engine: Unreal Engine 3.
[4]
Infinity Blade Reviews - Metacritic
Rating 87% (32) Infinity Blade features stunningly-rich graphics, outstanding animations, robust music, intuitive controls, and some of the most exciting action we've ...
[5]
Infinity Blade Release Information for iOS (iPhone/iPad) - GameFAQs
Rating 87% (32) Game Detail · Platform: iOS (iPhone/iPad) · Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D · Developer: Chair Entertainment · Publisher: Epic Games · Release: December 9, 2010.
[6]
Infinity Blade II - IGN
Rating 10/10 · Review by IGNSummary ; Initial Release. Dec 1, 2011 ; Platforms. iPhone ; Genres. Action, Fighting ...
[7]
Infinity Blade II Reviews - Metacritic
Rating 89% (37) Platforms: iOS (iPhone/iPad). Initial Release Date: Nov 29, 2011. Developer: Chair Entertainment. Publisher: Epic Games. Genres: 3D Fighting · Full Credits ...
[8]
Infinity Blade III Reviews - Metacritic
Rating 78% (27) Platforms: iOS (iPhone/iPad). Initial Release Date: Sep 18, 2013. Developer: Chair Entertainment. Publisher: Epic Games. Genres: 3D Fighting · Full Credits ...
[9]
INFINITY BLADE SERIES - Brandon Sanderson
The all-new literary adventure delves more deeply into the fantastical fiction of the Infinity Blade video games, to uncover a world of mystery and intrigue.
[10]
https://www.epicgames.com/infinityblade/en-US/news/infinity-blade-trilogy-says-goodbye
[11]
Epic Games Removes 'Infinity Blade' Trilogy From App Store
Dec 10, 2018 · Epic Games today announced that its Infinity Blade role-playing game trilogy has been removed from the App Store.
[12]
Infinity Blade Trilogy Pulled From App Store but Lives on in Fortnite
Dec 12, 2018 · The original Infinity Blade was developed by Chair Entertainment in conjunction with Epic Games, and was released on the iOS App Store in 2011.
[13]
Infinity Blade - Guide and Walkthrough - iOS (iPhone/iPad) - By Robyrt
Rating 87% (32) Jan 24, 2011 · Parry by swiping the screen to attack in time with an opponent's attack, either in the same or the opposite direction from which the attack is ...Missing: system | Show results with:system
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Official Infinity Blade Website - Epic Games
Infinity Blade Game Manual PDF. Download the game manual PDF. © 2012-18 Epic ... Infinity Blade II, Infinity Blade III, Infinity Blade: Awakening, Infinity Blade ...
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Infinity Blade - Unreal Engine
Dec 9, 2010 · A robust single-player campaign welcomes anyone to jump into epic boss battles with simple touch controls and an intuitive combat interface.
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Infinity Blade Universe - Epic Games
Infinity Blade's action, sword-fighting game play is bolstered by gorgeous visuals, adrenaline-fueled battles, and advanced character progression in fully ...Missing: system | Show results with:system
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[PDF] Infinity Blade Manual - Unreal Engine
To engage an enemy in combat, tap on the round pulsing icon overlaid on them - the op- ponents will approach one another, and combat will begin! SWORD SLASH—To ...
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Infinity Blade (Video Game 2010) - IMDb
Rating 8.2/10 (165) Infinity Blade tells the story of a bloodline of knights, raised from birth to journey to the Dark Citadel and fight a one-on-one duel with the God King.
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Infinity Blade iPhone Review - IGN
Rating 9/10 · Review by Hilary GoldsteinDec 8, 2010 · The result is a beautiful, addictive, and surprisingly deep game easily among the best available on iOS4 devices. Infinity Blade begins with an ...
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The making of... Infinity Blade - Pocket Gamer
Dec 1, 2011 · It had been announced at E3 a few months earlier, and Chair thought about making a game for it. "Just as a brainstorming exercise, we said ...
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Infinity Blade started life as Kinect game | Eurogamer.net
Dec 15, 2010 · iOS sword orgy Infinity Blade was first conceived as a Kinect title, the game's developer has admitted.
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Infinity Blade completed in five months - GameSpot
Mar 1, 2011 · Creative director Donald Mustard reveals the secrets behind Chair's development process for the Unreal Engine-powered iOS hit.
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Epic Games and Chair Entertainment Launch Infinity Blade
Dec 9, 2010 · We're excited to get 'Infinity Blade' into the hands of gamers everywhere and hope they have as much fun playing the game as we do.” The ...
[24]
https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/blog/epic-games-and-chair-entertainment-launch-infinity-blade
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∞ Infinity Blade creator talks iOS game development - Loop Insight
Mar 3, 2011 · Chair's game, Infinity Blade, is the first iOS game built using Epic Games Unreal Development Kit (UDK), the same toolset used to create ...
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Fillrate issue - Fabien Sanglard's Website
Dec 11, 2010 · This is the case in "Infinity Blade" where it seems they had to remove bumpmapping, specular mapping and even lighting on the player (the game ...
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Infinity Blade Launch Date Revealed - IGN
Posted: Nov 29, 2010 3:46 pm. Infinity Blade will cleave the iDevices on December 9. The medieval adventure-brawler will be a universal app, so the single ...
[28]
Infinity Blade review: Infinity Blade - CNET
Rating 8.3/10 · Review by Luke WestawayDec 8, 2010 · We've been following the development of Infinity Blade for some time -- it was demonstrated at an Apple event back in September, where its ...
[29]
Epic Games Launches 'Infinity Blade' - an Unreal-Based Game for ...
Dec 8, 2010 · Epic showed and released a free technology demo of the engine at Apple's 2010 Fall Media event, and has since taken the time to flesh it out ...
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Infinity Blade Gets Release Date and Price | 148 Apps
Nov 30, 2010 · It seems we may also have to pay a premium for those tantalizing visuals, as Epic has also announced that Infinity Blade will retail for $5.99.
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Infinity Blade hits App Store December 9 for $5.99
Nov 29, 2010 · According to Chair's release, multiplayer won't be enabled right away, but free updates will be coming to the app soon after release, one of ...
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Infinity Blade hits iPhone and iPad December 9th for $5.99
14-day returnsInfinity Blade will be available for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad on December 9th at a price of £3.99/$5.99. Tracy Erickson. Manning our editorial outpost in ...
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Project Sword becomes Infinity Blade, coming to iThings this holiday
Nov 2, 2010 · Originally introduced as "Project Sword" during the September 2010 Apple Special Event in San Francisco and featured in the latest ad ...
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Infinity Blade Debut Trailer - YouTube
Nov 5, 2010 · ... September 2010 Apple Special Event in San Francisco and featured in the latest ad campaigns for iPhone 4 and iPad, ChAIR's ground-breaking ...Missing: demo | Show results with:demo
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Infinity Blade makes $1.64m in 5 days - Eurogamer
Dec 13, 2010 · It costs $5.99. The previous record for fastest-grossing App was held by Cut The Rope, which turned over $1 million in its first 10 days.<|separator|>
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Infinity Blade franchise pulls in $30 million in 2011 - Engadget
Jan 5, 2012 · Infinity Blade franchise pulls in $30 million in 2011 ... Angry Birds isn't the only iOS brand that did well over the holiday season: Chair ...
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Infinity Blade Earnings | App2top
Jan 6, 2012 · The Infinity Blade franchise earned $30 million, with the first game making $23 million in a year and the sequel $5 million in a month.
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Infinity Blade just racked up more than $1.6M in four days - 9to5Mac
Dec 13, 2010 · Infinity Blade (iTunes $5.99) is reportedly seeing 271K users (or more) on Gamecenter meaning that after four days on the market, it has grossed ...Missing: downloads 2011
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Infinity Blade - Wikipedia
In the game, the unnamed player character fights a series of one-on-one battles in a derelict castle to face the immortal God King. When in battle, players ...Infinity Blade II · Infinity Blade III · Chair Entertainment · Awakening
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Infinity Blade update #1 now available. - Mobility Digest
Dec 21, 2010 · Updates: -5 new swords, shields and helmets, and a new set of armor. -Maximum level increased from 40 to 45. -New enemy “Marrow Fiend” added.
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Chair details upcoming Infinity Blade DLC, teases potential Kinect ...
Dec 15, 2010 · Next week's "booster pack" will raise the game's level cap to 45 by adding five new weapons, five helmets, five shields, and one armor set.
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The Deathless Kings Haunt Infinity Blade Update - IGN
Mar 2, 2011 · In addition to the three Deathless Kings, there are two new enemies: Iron Guard and Warden. The catalog of items has also expanded by 30, so ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
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Free Infinity Blade Deathless Kings update out now - VG247
Mar 2, 2011 · Gain access to the all-new "Dungeon" game play environment. · Players can battle and explore through six new game arenas, which nearly doubles ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
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Infinity Blade gets 'The Deathless Kings' dungeon in free update
The update also features more than 30 new magic rings, swords, shields, helmets, and armor, as well as some extra Game Center achievemenets and some minor ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
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Multiplayer Update Hits Infinity Blade on Thursday - IGN
May 17, 2011 · The update adds new modes, including Arena and Survivor, and a slew of new items. Fight your friends. In Arena players choose either a Titan or ...<|separator|>
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Infinity Blade update adds multiplayer, Survivor mode - VideoGamer
Infinity Blade: Arena will allow two players – a knight and a titan – to challenge each other to duels via Game Center. The update also introduces Survivor mode ...
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Infinity Blade 'Arena' update adds multiplayer, survivor modes this ...
May 17, 2011 · By far the most notable addition, the new Arena Mode introduces 1v1 multiplayer combat via Game Center. Also making the cut is Survivor Mode, ...
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Chair announces details of multiplayer Infinity Blade: Arena update
In what's being called a 'massive update', there will be new play modes, additional items for the single player campaign, and - of course - the multiplayer mode ...
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Infinity Blade: Free update includes new enemy, rings, weapons, more
Oct 5, 2011 · Epic and Chair have released an update for Infinity Blade on iPhone and iPad. The update includes the new RookBane enemy, new magic rings, swords, shields, and ...
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Infinity Blade Gets Updated With New Content Pack - iClarified
Feb 4, 2012 · Infinity Blade has been updated with a new content pack that features new magic rings, swords, shield, and helmets, as well as a new enemy.
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Huge (free) update for Infinity Blade out today[Game Sale $2.99]
Mar 2, 2011 · Free Infinity Blade update coming today, alongside a price cut. $2.99/£1.79 until Sunday, March 6. New features in the update: Gain access ...
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iOS slash-'em-up Infinity Blade updated with new weapons, armour ...
iOS slash-'em-up Infinity Blade updated with new weapons, armour, and enemy following announcement of sequel. Get a 'sneak peek' at the forthcoming follow-up.
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Infinity Blade critic reviews - Metacritic
Infinity Blade is by its very nature a game with a narrow scope, but within those limits it's a beast of gameplay, visuals and execution; this isn't just a ...Missing: score | Show results with:score
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Infinity Blade Review | Pocket Gamer
Rating 9/10 · Review by Tracy EricksonDec 9, 2010 · Still, Infinity Blade struggles with repetition and limited level design. The short end of the stick. The problem isn't the on-rails approach ...
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'Infinity Blade,' 'Osmos,' 'Pixelmator' among 2011 Apple Design ...
Jun 8, 2011 · This year's iPhone winners were Golfscape GPS, Infinity Blade, and Cut the Rope, a game that was featured live onstage during Monday's WWDC ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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14th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards
Infinity Blade. Game Title: Infinity Blade. Developer: Chair Entertainment. Publisher: Epic Games. Nominated: Portable Game of the Year. Additional Information ...
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'Infinity Blade' Review – It Doesn't Get Much More “Must-Have” Than ...
Dec 8, 2010 · If you swipe right, your character swings right, swipe left, and he swings left, and so on. What you begin to realize once you get farther in to ...
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Infinity Blade II to cost $6.99 at release - VG247
14-day returnsNov 22, 2011 · Infinity Blade II will set you back $6.99 when it releases on the App Store, according to Kotaku. IB2 will come with cloud saving, additional ...
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Infinity Blade II Release Information for iOS (iPhone/iPad) - GameFAQs
Rating 89% (37) Platform: iOS (iPhone/iPad) ; Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D ; Developer: Chair Entertainment ; Publisher: Epic Games ; Release: November 29, 2011.
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Infinity Blade II slices and dices in new developer diary - Games Radar
Nov 30, 2011 · Infinity Blade II picks up after Siris' defeat of the God-King, and follows him on his journey through the Vault of Tears to locate the ...
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Infinity Blade 2 Review | Eurogamer.net
Rating 8/10 · Review by Mark BrownNov 30, 2011 · For all that's new and improved, Infinity Blade 2 is still a game about high stakes combat and bloody perseverance. Still a game about fast and ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Infinity Blade 2 Patch Unleashes a Co-Op Clashmob - Co-Optimus
Apr 17, 2012 · The new Clashmob is a cooperative social battle where players work together to accomplish seemingly impossible goals.
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Infinity Blade franchise rakes in $30 million - GameSpot
Jan 5, 2012 · Epic Games proclaims new revenue milestone for sword-swinging mobile game series; Infinity Blade II tallies $5 million in first month.Missing: Dead Space<|control11|><|separator|>
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Infinity Blade III Launching With The New iPhone 5S [Update] - Kotaku
Update: From the official press release, Infinity Blade III will be priced at $6.99 and playable on the iPhone 5s, 5c, 5, 4s and 4, the iPad 2-4 and Mini, and ...
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ChAIR ENTERTAINMENT AND EPIC GAMES ANNOUNCE ...
Sep 10, 2013 · In December 2011, ChAIR introduced the award-winning sword-fighting adventure Infinity Blade II for the App Store.Missing: development | Show results with:development
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Infinity Blade III (Video Game 2013) - IMDb
Rating 8.4/10 (165) In the finale of the Infinity Blade trilogy, Siris and Isa must locate and stop the Worker of Secrets, before he and his army of Deathless destroy the world.
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Complete Infinity Blade III Details - IGN
Sep 10, 2013 · Chair has officially lifted the lid on Infinity Blade III, launching (surprise!) next week on the App Store. Check out the debut trailer:.Missing: platform | Show results with:platform<|control11|><|separator|>
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Epic Games and ChAIR Entertainment Launch iOS Blockbuster ...
“Infinity Blade II” is available for download from the App Store for $6.99 and is a universal app. The game is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, ...
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New novella INFINITY BLADE: AWAKENING + Updates
Oct 5, 2011 · It's intended as a bridge story between the iPhone/iPad game INFINITY BLADE and the sequel to that game, though I did my best to write it in a ...Missing: plot summary
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Infinity Blade FX brings the iOS hit to arcades - GamesRadar
Oct 13, 2011 · The arcade version of Infinity Blade follows fellow iOS hit Fruit Ninja in utilizing Adrenaline's TouchFX platform for big-screen multi-touch ...
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Fortnite's Infinity Blade Sword Launches Right After ... - GameSpot
Dec 13, 2018 · Epic has pulled its breakout Infinity Blade series from the App Store, while creating an homage to it in its newest mobile success story.
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Epic acquires Chair Entertainment | GamesIndustry.biz
May 20, 2008 · Chair Entertainment, which was founded in 2005, will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Epic Games. In 2007, the company announced that it ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
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Infinity Blade: Creating the Mobile Blockbuster Trilogy - GDC Vault
In 2010 ChAIR Entertainment's Infinity Blade set a new bar for graphics and gameplay on mobile devices. Infinity Blade II and III raised the bar even higher.Missing: impact elevating artistic
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Infinity Blade franchise breaks $30m barrier - GamesIndustry.biz
Jan 5, 2012 · Infinity Blade developer Chair, owned by Epic, has made over $30 million from the franchise in just one year since the original game's ...
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PopCap and Epic lead Int'l Mobile Gaming Awards
Feb 18, 2011 · PopCap's tower defence title took the Best Casual Game prize, while the Unreal-powered Infinity Blade was given Excellence In Design. It was a ...
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1NnkUbaffU
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What Really Happened to the Infinity Blade Games - Video Essay
Jun 6, 2024 · The Infinity Blade Trilogy were perhaps the best mobile games in app store history but they are now sadly gone forever.
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Epic removes all Infinity Blade games from the App Store - The Verge
Dec 10, 2018 · ... removed all three entries in the franchise from Apple's App Store. The series has been dormant since 2013, when Infinity Blade III was ...
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End of an Era: The 'Infinity Blade' Trilogy Is No Longer Available for ...
Dec 10, 2018 · As of today, all three games are no longer available for purchase on the App Store. If you already own them, you can re-download them, but all ...Missing: total | Show results with:total<|control11|><|separator|>
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An anonymous modder has brought one of the best mobile games ...
Feb 23, 2024 · Unfortunately, due to the difficulties of keeping it updated for modern hardware, Infinity Blade was removed from the App Store by Epic Games in ...<|separator|>
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Infinity Blade 2 PC Port Available Now for Download - DSOGaming
Apr 1, 2025 · The PC port of Infinity Blade 2 features keybinds for abilities such as dodging, blocking, stabbing, and more.
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Infinity Blade Removal Shows Mobile Gaming's Unavoidable Amnesia
Dec 18, 2018 · Last week, iOS gamers bid farewell to the Infinity Blade trilogy. By today's standards, the game may not only look dated but also feel a bit shallow.
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Citing support issues, Epic stops selling Infinity Blade games
In a blog post today Epic Games confirmed reports that it has removed Chair Entertainment's three Infinity Blade iOS games from sale on Apple's App Store, ...Missing: acquisition | Show results with:acquisition