LOS ANGELES — June 23, 2026 — Acclaim and Ridiculous Games today announced the release of ZEN PROTOCOL for GRIDbeat!, a substantial free update to the rhythm-based dungeon crawler that pits players against the deadly defenses of Knoss.OS. The update is live now.
At the center of this Zen Mode, a laid-back, low-pressure way to experience GRIDbeat!’s pulsing, rhythm-based gameplay without the punishing stakes of the main campaign or challenge levels. The update introduces ten entirely new Zen Mode levels, each paired with new background animations and set to one of five new music tracks, giving the mode its own distinct, more meditative atmosphere. It’s a natural entry point for players still learning the ropes, and an easy change of pace for anyone who’d rather groove to the beat than sweat through Knoss.OS’s deadliest defenses.
Two new Steam achievements, awarded for completing 50% and 100% of all Zen Mode levels, give completionists an extra reason to spend time there.
"From the beginning, we wanted GRIDbeat! to be both challenging and welcoming. Zen Mode offers a whole new way to experience the Mainframe, letting players explore, enjoy the music, and discover its secrets at their own rhythm,” said Jaime Bencia, Senior Producer at Ridiculous Games.
“Whether you're diving in for the first time or returning for another run, we can't wait to see you experience it."
Here’s everything included in GRIDbeat!’s ZEN PROTOCOL:
Quality-of-Life & UI Updates
The Free Memory deck UI now makes available vs. total memory clearer, with a new “Uninstall Programs to Free Up Memory” reminder localized in every supported language.
The Game Over screen now reminds players they can lower the difficulty if they’re having trouble, with an on-screen prompt (and Dot!) pointing the way.
The Directory, and any mode containing new content, keep pulsing with a notification pip until the player actually opens it and views what’s inside.
Installing a 2.0 Program now automatically replaces its 1.0 predecessor whenever there’s enough free memory.
Gameplay & Difficulty
Server 02 / Level 03 now offers an “easy route” through its first format level, flagged early with an on-screen prompt for players who want a gentler path.
Difficulty can now be adjusted on the fly from both the Pause Menu and the Game Over screen (changing it restarts the level immediately).
Sweet Hack values now appear in the Pause Menu, End Results screen, and Level Directory, showing each player’s best score against the level’s goal.
HUD & Visual Updates
The HUD now shows the total number of Bits available in the current level, no pausing required.
Firewall, Advanced Firewall, and Black Ice effects have been visually overhauled to look more threatening and easier to tell apart at a glance.
Additional Updates
Keyboard players can now perform a Crash with the Q key.
Fixed an issue in Challenges (Server 04 / Level 04) that prevented players from collecting all three Mega Bits.
Adjusted the Black Ice tutorial in Training 03 so instructional text no longer overlaps the visual effects.
Beat-Based Dungeon Crawling – In GRIDbeat!, movement, combat, and interaction all happen on the beat. Every level is a tactical challenge where rhythm equals survival.
Pulse-Pounding Maze Exploration – As you navigate the data labyrinths, keep an eye out for all manner of hazards, including Server Formats that can wipe a level clean.
Evolving Abilities & Power-Ups – Install powerful software tools to help you overcome system threats, uncover secrets, and solve challenges
Cyber.Mind Boss Battles – Defeat powerful AI gatekeepers in intense beat-based battles to continue your journey and reach the final exit port out of the Mainframe.
Step into the Rhythm! – GRIDbeat!’s electrifying soundtrack pulls you into the action, where every move, ability, and attack pulses to the beat. Sync your gameplay with the music and let the soundtrack guide your every step through the Grid!
GRIDbeat! Is now available on Steam and the Nintendo Switch.
About Ridiculous Games
Ridiculous Games (formerly Digital Funk Machine and Hijinx Games) is an interactive developer founded in 2017 by industry veterans with over 20+ years experience. Located in Orange County, California, the team has worked on nearly every conceivable platform over the last two decades.
About Acclaim:
Originally founded in 1987, Acclaim established itself as a leading global developer, publisher, and mass marketer, bringing beloved franchises such as Mortal Kombat, Turok, and NBA Jam into homes worldwide. Today, Acclaim carries its legacy forward with an unwavering commitment to supporting talented indie developers and delivering high-quality, premium indie games to a global audience. Acclaim’s modern revival stands as a testament to the strength and enduring appeal of its iconic brand.