Former Zachtronics Devs Launch Mystical Puzzler U.V.S. Nirmana; Reveals Near-Miss Star Trek Project
Breaking: Coincidence Studios Unveils Mind-Bending Puzzle Game U.V.S. Nirmana
Coincidence Studios, the indie team formed by ex-Zachtronics developers, has released U.V.S. Nirmana today—a deeply philosophical puzzle game that challenges players to command a monastic spacecraft on a galactic pilgrimage. The game, described as "medium-difficulty," has already been called a brain-twisting experience by early players.
More striking, however, is the revelation that the studio almost took on a very different project: a licensed Star Trek engineering simulation. In an exclusive interview, original Zachtronics founder Zach Barth confirmed that talks with Paramount Pictures were underway before the deal fell through.
"They Were Totally Game to Play Ball"
"We had a solid pitch—a Star Trek physics and repair sim where you reroute power, align warp coils, and fix plasma leaks. They were totally game to play ball," Barth said. "But it ultimately didn't align with our timeline or vision. It's one of those 'what if' moments."
Barth noted that the team has no regrets. "U.V.S. Nirmana is the game we needed to make. It's weirder, more personal, and more rewarding."
What Is U.V.S. Nirmana?
Set aboard a monastery-like starship on a pilgrimage through the cosmos, the game draws heavily on Dharmic philosophy. Players operate a "cosmic reactor" that functions like a music sequencer, connecting pipes and components to resolve abstract conflicts between concepts like "form," "amen," and "svaha."
The goal is to minimize "flux" while distilling abstract inputs—such as "light" and "sound"—into "thought" using valves and relays. The ritualistic obscurity has already captivated puzzle enthusiasts, who describe it as "Zach-like" at its finest.
Background: From Zachtronics to Coincidence
Zachtronics, founded in 2000, was known for hardcore programming and engineering puzzles like SpaceChem, Infinifactory, and Opus Magnum. The studio shut down in 2022, but several core team members regrouped as Coincidence Studios in 2023.
U.V.S. Nirmana is their second title—following Reentry: An Orbital Simulator—but the first to carry the full "Zach-like" label. The game has been in development since at least 2022, when Barth first shared the concept with journalists.
What This Means for the Puzzle Community
The release signals that the niche genre of deep, systems-based puzzles—often requiring hours of slow progress—is alive and well. U.V.S. Nirmana doubles down on the cerebral, almost meditative experience that Zachtronics was famous for.
For fans who dreamed of a Star Trek-themed engineering sim, the near-miss remains a tantalizing possibility. Barth hinted that the team hasn't completely ruled out licensed work in the future. "Never say never. But right now, this is the universe we want to explore."
How to play
U.V.S. Nirmana is available now on Steam and itch.io for Windows, Mac, and Linux. A free demo is also available, covering the first four puzzles.
Check out our full interview with Zach Barth, discussing the evolution of Coincidence Studios and the creative decisions behind U.V.S. Nirmana. (Link to internal interview)
Read our review of Reentry: An Orbital Simulator to compare Coincidence's earlier work. (Link to review)