Web3 is revolutionising the gaming industry, by giving power and control back to the players, with the use of blockchain technology and smart contracts. Over 2022, $4b was invested through venture capital, with big investors backing genre defining games like BLOCKLORDS – The first of its kind Medieval MMO Grand Strategy game, check out some BLOCKLORDS gameplay to see what the future of gaming could look like. Even through the rough patch in the markets, investment spiked above $350M in Q1 2023 and we have collected the 10 biggest funding rounds from the quarter across games and studios alike
1. CCP Games
Iceland-based CCP, which was founded in 1997, said in the announcement that the new game would use smart-contract technology to create relationships between the virtual worlds and players. There were many investors in the a16z Crypto- led round. The investment will help CCP Games expand its R&D department to create a blockchain-based MMO game title set within the Eve Online metaverse
Funding
$40,000,000
Investors
A16z crypto, BITKRAFT, Makers Fund
2. Skyweaver
Skyweaver is a free to play trading card game, on the Ethereum blockchain. The game allows players to create their own deck by combining various “Prisms”, each having unique abilities. This game is a step towards the next generation of trading card games, providing players with ownership, earning, and trading opportunities for their cards, while also offering deep strategic gameplay. Currently, the game is in its open beta phase and is set revolutionize the trading card game genre.
Funding
$40,000,000
Investors
Morgan Creek Capital, Ubisoft, Brevan Howard, Take-Two Interactive
3. Champions: Ascension
Champions: Ascension is an Ethereum-based turn-based strategy game with RPG mechanics. Players can discover the world of Massina and engage in battles in the colosseum while exploring the unique breeding mechanics to create and collect unique NFT Champions. The game is supported by Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto wing, which is known for its success in the industry, and it will be interesting to see where the game goes.
Funding
$32,000,000
Investors
A16z Crypto
4. Revolving Games
Web3 gaming studio Revolving Games has raised $25 million in a funding round led by crypto investment firm Pantera Capital. The investment will be used to develop decentralised gaming experiences for the studios in-house titles and for global partners. The second title from Revolving Games is Skyborne Legacy, a social world, built on Polygon – a side chain to ethereum, and is a trading role playing game.
5. Matchday
Matchaday is set to be the next big football game for the 5 Billion fans around the world. There is little info currently on the game – other than its a trading card game, where players are NFT’s and can be traded peer to peer.
Funding
$21,000,000
Investors
Play Time, Courtside Ventures
6. Dimensionals
Mino Games’ latest release, Dimensionals, is an RPG where players set out on an adventure across various dimensions, collecting unique heroes and creating unforgettable memories. Each hero is an NFT, providing players with full ownership of their journey. The game is still in development, so following their Twitter is an excellent way to stay updated on the games release date
Funding
$15,000,000
Investors
Standard Crypto, Boost VC, Konvoy Ventures and more.
7. Dogamí
Dogamí is a mobile game that lets you breed and raise virtual puppies – almost like Nintendogs!, while earning rewards in tokens. Built on Tezos, the play-to-earn game promises a unique experience known as the “petaverse,” taking the metaverse to the next level. Players can complete challenges to earn $DOGA tokens, which can be used to purchase new puppies, breed their own dogs, stake for extra yield. The game has backing from some of the biggest investors in the gaming industry!
Funding
$14,000,000
Investors
Ubisoft, Animoca Brands, Blockchain Founders Fund.
8. Avalon
Avalon is a gaming studio, who are focused on putting the people first. As gamers, they believe that the game development process is a game in itself, and are on a mission to bring the best web3 gaming has to offer
Funding
$13,000,000
Investors
Coinbase Ventures, BITKRAFT Ventures, Delphi Digital
9. Worldwide Webb
Worldwide Webb is a browser based MMORPG, set in a dystopian future, where the world has transitioned completely onto the blockchain. Players must climb the social ladder to gain wealth and power. Whether you prefer battling in the 5v5 MOBA-style arena or improving your skills and crafting items, the game rewards those who are brave enough to take risks!
Funding
$10,000,000
Investors
Pantera Capital
10. Matr1X FIRE
Matr1x FIRE is a FPS game designed for mobile, featuring 5v5 battles. The game is set in a Cyberpunk-themed metaverse and built on the Polygon blockchain. The game offers various game modes and serves as the entry point to the Matr1x Metaverse, which will evolve across different titles within the verse in three stages. The game also integrates NFTs to create a secondary market in-game aesthetics, which players own and can trade. In addition, the community plays a vital role in the game,as they are able to create game-ready features, such as skins and maps.
Funding
$10,000,000
Investors
Hana Financial Group, Hashkey Capital, Amber Group, SevenX Ventures
Looking to the Future
Blockchain games are looking to gain more and more attention, as the technology progresses and developers digest it, we will see many more blockchain games, giving power to the players and providing a gaming experience like no other..