Neon Machine, a prominent Web3 gaming developer, recently secured $20 million in Series A funding to advance the development of their highly-anticipated game, Shrapnel. This achievement follows their successful $10.5 million seed round in June 2021. So, what sets Shrapnel apart? Let's delve into the details and explore the realm of this blockchain-based competitor to Call of Duty.
Company Background: Neon Machine stands out as a game development company boasting a skilled team with extensive experience across the entertainment industry. Having contributed to renowned titles like Halo, Call of Duty, and Westworld, their impressive track record is causing a stir in the gaming world.
Shrapnel: An Ambitious Endeavor: Shrapnel represents Neon Machine's ambitious project, labeled as a AAA game—a designation in the gaming industry indicating top-tier status with high production values, a significant budget, and an extensive marketing campaign. The game is poised to be a first-person shooter with a strong emphasis on multiplayer gameplay.
Funding Insights: The Series A funding, totaling $20 million, was spearheaded by Polychain Capital and saw participation from various investors, including Griffin Gaming Partners, Brevan Howard Digital, Franklin Templeton, IOSG Ventures, and Tess Ventures. This financial backing is pivotal for ensuring the game reaches its full potential.
Shrapnel's Unique Features: What sets Shrapnel apart is its innovative integration of Web3 and blockchain technology. While games like The Division 2 allow players to "extract" valuable in-game items, Shrapnel takes it a step further by anchoring these assets to the blockchain. This revolutionary approach grants players complete ownership over their in-game assets.
Release Plans: For eager enthusiasts, Shrapnel will be available for early-access testing in December for paid subscribers. Following this initial phase, Neon Machine plans to release the game as a free-to-play title in 2024, opening the doors for gamers worldwide to join the action.
Future Endeavors: Neon Machine's ambitions extend beyond Shrapnel. Their plan includes licensing their Web3 developer’s API platform, GameBridge, post Shrapnel’s launch. This strategic move underscores Neon Machine's commitment to advancing the integration of blockchain technology within the gaming industry.
