[2][3] The Zwift game was released in its beta version in September 2014,[4] in partnership with TRUE Communications/InGoodTaste,[5] and became a paid product with a fee of US$10 per month in October 2015, (equivalent to $13 in 2023).

[8] Min, a lifelong cyclist, found himself confined to riding indoors, and dissatisfied with current interactive options, he believed he could improve on them by "making cycling social".

[9] Around this time, Min saw an online post by programmer Jon Mayfield describing a "3D trainer program" he was developing as a hobby project.

Min promptly contacted Mayfield, making arrangements to fly to Los Angeles to speak to him; the two agreed to co-found a company around the project.

[17] Players may cycle freely around the game world and join organized group rides, races, or workouts with other users.

"Smart" trainers, which include a built-in power meter, permit accuracy in the measurement of watts as well as enabling an immersive technology experience, where resistance is applied or lessened to simulate the gradient encountered on the virtual course.

[19] Zwift also includes a mobile app which allows users to change direction, take screenshots, communicate via messaging, use power-ups and follow other athletes.

[22] The CEO Eric Min announced the money would be spent on categories expansion, including esports tournaments and further development of Zwift Run.

[28] Only one is always available: Watopia, a fictitious island, which has seen some of its expansions lean into fantasy, including dinosaurs and riding into an active volcano.

They are: The last two worlds can only be accessed as part of a scheduled event: In July 2023 Zwift began opening “climb portals” that allow the rider access to real-world hill climbs that represent the grade and milage of famous hills but do so in an abstract environment of color and shapes not earthly environments.

In the inaugural competition, 1,200 cyclists entered, with former marathon runner Leah Thorvilson being crowned the winner and securing a contract with the Canyon–SRAM team for 2017.