In an era where the gaming industry is rapidly evolving, Neon Machine has boldly stepped forward, securing a whopping $20 million in a Series A funding round, all in the name of advancing their much-anticipated extraction shooter game, Shrapnel.
This move isn’t just a financial injection; it’s a statement, a testament to the belief in Shrapnel’s potential to redefine gaming standards. Back in June 2021, Neon Machine had already laid down the groundwork with a $10.5 million seed round.
This time around, leading the charge in the funding escapade was Polychain Capital, supported by a cavalry of investors including Griffin Gaming Partners, Brevan Howard Digital, Franklin Templeton, IOSG Ventures, and Tess Ventures. This isn’t just pocket change; it’s a significant investment in Shrapnel’s vision.
Shrapnel: A Gaming Phenomenon in the Making
Labelled as a AAA game, Shrapnel carries the weight of expectations, synonymous with high-quality production, generous budgeting, and a marketing strategy ready to set the world ablaze.
As a first-person shooter with multiplayer elements, it doesn’t just aim to be another game on the shelf; it aspires to be a trailblazer.
A sneak peek into Shrapnel’s world through gameplay footage on Neon Machine’s YouTube channel and the game’s official documentation reveals a realm of intense competition and extraction mechanics.
Players are thrown into a high-stakes environment, where the spoils of the game can only be retained if they successfully escape with their in-game loot.
This concept, while still in its pre-alpha testing phase, shows a clear parallel to popular extraction shooters like Call of Duty: Warzone, developed by Activision Blizzard.
Unleashing the Power of Web3 and Blockchain
However, what truly sets Shrapnel apart from its AAA counterparts is its unyielding commitment to integrating Web3 and blockchain technologies.
Unlike other games where players can extract valuable items for their character profiles, Shrapnel ensures that every asset is irrevocably tied to the blockchain, granting players undisputed ownership of their in-game assets.
This groundbreaking approach not only adds an additional layer of engagement to the gameplay but also opens up a world of possibilities with its modding toolset.
Players and developers alike could potentially introduce other blockchain assets into the game, setting the stage for an ever-evolving gameplay experience, enriched with seasonal competitions and tournaments.
As we look towards the future, Neon Machine is gearing up for an early-access testing phase for Shrapnel, exclusively available to paid subscribers this December.
The studio’s ambitions don’t just stop at development; post-evaluation, they plan to transition Shrapnel into a free-to-play title set to launch sometime in 2024.
In the long run, Neon Machine envisions extending their technological prowess beyond Shrapnel, with plans to license their Web3 developer’s API platform, GameBridge.
This move isn’t just about creating a game; it’s about cultivating an ecosystem, a digital realm where the lines between ownership, interaction, and innovation are not just blurred, but completely reimagined.
The $20 million boost for Shrapnel isn’t just a monetary transaction; it’s a bold declaration of the game’s potential to revolutionize the gaming industry.
With a team that’s as fearless as it is innovative, Neon Machine is not just making a game. They are crafting a legacy, and Shrapnel is poised to be its cornerstone. This is not just gaming; this is the future, and Shrapnel is leading the charge.
