Neon Machine, a blockchain game studio led by former HBO digital executive Sabrina Caluori, has secured $20 million in Series A funding from a group of investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Galaxy Digital, and Animoca Brands. The company plans to use the cash to bring its first game, Shrapnel, a first-person shooter with stunning graphics and in-game purchases, to the market.
Shrapnel: A Game Powered By Blockchain Technology
Shrapnel is a sci-fi shooter game that takes place in a dystopian future where humans are fighting against a rogue AI. The game features realistic graphics, immersive sound effects, and dynamic gameplay. Players can customize their weapons, armor, and skills using NFTs (non-fungible tokens), which are unique digital assets that are stored on the blockchain. NFTs can also be traded, sold, or collected by other players.
Shrapnel is built on the Ethereum blockchain, which allows for decentralized and transparent transactions. The game also uses the Polygon network, which is a layer-2 scaling solution that reduces gas fees and increases speed. According to Caluori, the game aims to attract both hardcore gamers and casual players who are interested in blockchain technology.
Neon Machine: A New Player In The Blockchain Gaming Industry
Neon Machine was founded in 2022 by Caluori, who was previously the executive vice president of digital media and marketing at HBO. She left the company after 12 years to pursue her passion for gaming and blockchain. She assembled a team of veteran game developers, designers, and engineers who have worked on titles such as Call of Duty, Halo, and Fortnite.
Neon Machine’s vision is to create high-quality games that leverage the potential of blockchain technology. The company believes that blockchain can enhance the gaming experience by providing more ownership, interoperability, and scarcity for digital assets. The company also wants to create a community of gamers who can interact, collaborate, and compete with each other.
The Future Of Blockchain Gaming
Blockchain gaming is a fast-growing sector that has attracted a lot of attention and investment in recent years. According to a report by DappRadar, the total value of NFT transactions in the gaming category reached $1.5 billion in the first half of 2021, up from $480 million in 2020. Some of the most popular blockchain games include Axie Infinity, CryptoKitties, and Decentraland.
However, blockchain gaming also faces some challenges, such as scalability, usability, and regulation. Many blockchain games still rely on slow and expensive networks that can limit the gameplay and user experience. Moreover, some blockchain games require users to have a certain level of technical knowledge and familiarity with crypto wallets and exchanges. Additionally, some countries have imposed restrictions or bans on cryptocurrencies and NFTs, which can affect the accessibility and legality of blockchain games.
Neon Machine hopes to overcome these challenges by creating games that are easy to use, fun to play, and compliant with regulations. The company also plans to partner with other platforms and publishers to expand its reach and audience. With its $20 million funding round, Neon Machine is ready to launch its first game, Shrapnel, which is expected to be released in 2024.
