Summary
- Project Arcanas is a web3 RPG by STAR WARS: Galaxy of Heroes creators
- $15m investment raised from a16z, Justin Kan, and Coinbase, among others
- Which blockchain Project Arcanas will be on is currently undecided
In the bleak midwinter, blockchain gaming is keeping us warm with investment amounts that would have been unconscionable a few years ago. Just a few days ago, I wrote the article Markets Might Be Down, But Investment in Blockchain Gaming Is Booming, where I observed the growth in our space:
In 2020, venture capitalists invested a total of $80 million in blockchain gaming. In the last month, over $3 billion has been invested.
Markets Might Be Down, But Investment in Blockchain Gaming Is Booming
It is of course my job — but also as a result of my passion — that I follow all investment stories rather closely; “follow the money” has many useful applications. In doing so, I have identified a few key players who are more or less bank-rolling blockchain gaming. One name you will see often, particularly recently, is Andreessen Horowtiz, also known as a16z.
In the aforementioned article, I discuss a16z’s new Games Fund One in which they have launched a $600m war chest for the advancement of blockchain gaming. Now, a16z, in conjunction with Coinbase Ventures, Justin Kan, and some other familiar names, have pledged $15m to Azra Games’ Project Arcanas.
What Is Project Arcanas?
We don’t have a wealth of information on this project yet, but I wanted to plant a flag in it for reasons I will return to shortly. Project Arcanas by Azra Games is a sci-fi, fantasy RPG with a heavy focus on the use of NFTs in particular. The game has new alpha or beta dates and the final release date is some way off.
If you want involvement in the project sooner, Azra Games is releasing the Genesis Collection of NFT PFPs. Rather confusingly, PFPs allegedly stands for “Play Forever Passes” though I suspect it will also offer profile pictures of some description. These PFPs are characters from the game’s lore, will grant access to Project Arcanas, and “perpetual utility and exclusive rewards for every game” they release. This collection will be releasing this summer.
So, why do I want to plant a flag in this project? Firstly, $15 million backing from some big names for a single project is sizeable, particularly when so much is yet to be decided. It’s hard to imagine that there aren’t some strong indicators that aren’t public on why this is going to be an important game. Secondly — and a drum I bang whenever appropriate — the team behind the game is of the highest caliber.
Azra Games is headed up by Mark Otero, “former General Manager of EA Capital Games, GM of Bioware,” and a co-founder of KickNation which was acquired by Electronic Arts. Otero’s last project was mobile game, STAR WARS: Galaxy of Heroes, which has grossed over $1 billion in the last 6 years; it’s not difficult to see why he’s getting support in web3.
We are on a mission to create games that rekindle the joy of childhood play. Imagine leading terrifying monsters, giant robots, and valiant heroes into battle against insane odds in a game with deeply satisfying risks and rewards. Imagine a vibrant marketplace and a sustainable economy based on real value that only Web3 can unlock to deliver the most compelling and complete play experience. This is what we’re building.
Mark Otero
One of the biggest question marks for the project currently is which blockchain it will use. This is openly undecided (see below) but is the most impactful decision they’re likely to make. Some Twitter folk noticed that the job listings for Azra Games are seeking developers with experience in Ethereum and Solana languages.
There isn’t much to go on currently with this project — less than I would usually require to write about it. Nevertheless, the backers and the team make for interesting reading, and so it’s a project worth bringing to your attention, even if only to keep an eye on.
