Mountain biking games have often leaned toward arcade spectacle or simplified simulation, leaving riders searching for something closer to the real thing. Mavrix, developed by Cascade Interactive and led by professional MTB athlete Matt Jones, is built around that gap. Now available in Game Preview on Xbox Series X|S, Mavrix positions itself as a realistic open-world MTB game shaped directly by the experience of a rider who competes at the highest level of the sport.
Jones, a UK-based Red Bull athlete known for large-scale projects and competitive results, didn’t just lend his name to the project. He co-founded Cascade Interactive and helped design Mavrix from the ground up, aiming to create a game that reflects how mountain biking actually feels, from line choice and braking to flow and trick execution.
From Pro Riding to Interactive Design
Jones’ background in gaming includes classics like SSX Tricky, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, and Downhill Domination, titles that helped define extreme sports in interactive form. Over time, he felt that modern bike games struggled to match the reality of riding. Instead of adapting an existing framework, Jones chose to build something new around his own career knowledge.
Development on Mavrix began with the idea that authenticity should guide every system. That philosophy shows up in how the bike handles, how riders move their weight, and how progression mirrors the real-world experience of building a professional MTB career. The result is a game that leans less on spectacle and more on giving players tools to ride creatively and competitively.
A Multiplayer World Inspired by Real Terrain
Mavrix takes place in a large open world inspired by Wales in the UK, an area known for its mountain biking culture. The environment is structured as a shared multiplayer space where players can explore peaks using chairlifts, discover hidden trails, and link lines across multiple bike parks.
Instead of funneling players through linear tracks, the world encourages experimentation. Downhill race routes sit alongside slopestyle zones and freeride terrain, allowing players to choose between chasing leaderboard times or focusing on trick-based creativity. Multiplayer sessions mirror real-life riding sessions, where friends explore, repeat lines, and push each other to improve.
Progression is built around sponsorship and currency. Players earn “Moolah,” sign contracts, and unlock bikes, clothing, and components from real MTB brands, reflecting the way performance and exposure shape a professional rider’s career.
Physics That Prioritize Control
The core of Mavrix is its physics-driven riding system. Dual-stick controls separate steering from rider movement, letting players shift weight, manage grip, and control airtime in a way that feels closer to actual bike handling.
One of the most distinctive choices is the split braking system. Instead of a single brake input, the front and rear brakes are mapped independently, forcing players to think about how braking affects stability, speed, and cornering. Suspension behavior and terrain response are also physics-based, meaning landings, speed, and surface types all influence how the bike reacts.
This approach doesn’t aim for pure simulation, but it does reward technique. Clean lines, controlled landings, and smart braking make a noticeable difference, whether players are racing downhill or building trick combos.
Real-World Challenges in Digital Form
Mavrix integrates moments inspired by Jones’ own career, allowing players to attempt large gap jumps and technical challenges similar to those seen in real competitions and Red Bull projects. These aren’t scripted set pieces so much as optional tests within the open world.
Because they’re part of the environment, players decide when to attempt them, reinforcing the idea that progression comes from exploration and skill rather than checklist objectives. It’s closer to how riders session features in real life, repeating lines until they’re comfortable pushing further.
Competitive Play and Slopestyle Structure
A major addition to Mavrix is its Slopestyle mode, which reflects the structure of real slopestyle competitions. Runs are judged based on trick difficulty, flow, and consistency, rather than just point accumulation.
Commentary is provided by Rob Warner, a familiar voice to mountain biking fans, giving competitive events a broadcast-style presentation. Alongside slopestyle, the game includes global leaderboards for racing and trick scores, giving competitive players long-term goals beyond free riding.
Rankings, sponsorship unlocks, and rare items tie performance to progression, reinforcing the professional rider fantasy that Mavrix is built around.
Game Preview and Ongoing Development
Mavrix is currently released as a Game Preview title on Xbox Series X|S, meaning it’s still evolving. Cascade Interactive continues to adjust physics, add modes, and refine features based on community feedback.
This development model fits the project’s design goals. By involving players early, the team can tune how the open-world MTB experience feels in practice, making sure realism and fun stay balanced as new content is introduced.
A Different Take on MTB Games
Rather than leaning fully into arcade chaos or strict simulation, Mavrix tries to sit between the two. Matt Jones’ direct involvement gives the game a foundation in real riding technique, while the open-world structure keeps things flexible and creative.
For players looking for a realistic mountain bike game on Xbox Series X|S, Mavrix offers an approach shaped by professional experience, physics-based handling, and a multiplayer world designed around how riders actually use the mountain.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Mavrix?
Mavrix is an open-world mountain bike game designed by professional MTB rider Matt Jones and developed by Cascade Interactive, focusing on realistic physics and multiplayer exploration.
Who created Mavrix?
The game was created by Matt Jones, a Red Bull MTB athlete from the UK, alongside his studio Cascade Interactive.
What platforms is Mavrix on?
Mavrix is available in Game Preview on Xbox Series X|S.
Is Mavrix multiplayer?
Yes. The game features a large shared open world where players can ride together, race, and compete on global leaderboards.
What makes Mavrix different from other MTB games?
Mavrix emphasizes physics-based riding, dual-stick controls, independent front and rear braking, and open-world exploration inspired by real mountain biking.
Does Mavrix include real competitions?
The game includes a Slopestyle mode based on real competition formats, with judging systems and commentary from Rob Warner.
Is Mavrix still in development?
Yes. As a Game Preview title, Mavrix continues to receive updates with new features, physics improvements, and community-driven changes.
