Mobile gaming company Azra Games raises a substantial $42.7 million in Series A funding for the development of console-quality games for mobile devices.
In an exciting development for the blockchain gaming industry, Web3 gaming startup Azra Games has secured a $42.7 million Series A funding round led by Pantera Capital. This investment will be utilised to develop and expand Azra Games' Web3 gaming projects, with a focus on collectibles and combat RPGs powered by blockchain technology.
The startup aims to recapture the imaginative and free-form play experience of childhood through modern Web3-enabled games. Mark Otero, the founder of Azra Games and a veteran game designer, is leading this mission with the development of the flagship game, LEGIONS & LEGENDS. The game, designed by Otero and supported by a highly experienced development team with backgrounds in major franchises, is a collectible combat RPG.
Azra Games' ambition is to "think bigger than ever" in the blockchain gaming space, potentially leveraging partnerships and improvements in infrastructure like permissionless zkEVM on Ronin blockchain that supports quality Web3 gaming. The goal is to attract both gamers and crypto natives by blending traditional gaming strengths with Web3 capabilities.
The funding round also saw participation from NFX's Gigi Levy-Weiss, Arianna Simpson from A16z Crypto, and A16z Games' Jonathan Lai. The investment will likely be applied toward further game development, building out the Web3 ecosystem for their titles, and expanding their teams to deliver high-quality blockchain gaming experiences.
Azra Labs, the company's research and development studio, will also benefit from the funding. The expansion of Azra Labs is a part of the company's plan to use the funds from the latest round, with a particular emphasis on the development of AAA mobile games, and a focus on roleplaying games (RPGs).
Azra Labs is dedicated to exploring the application of artificial intelligence in the development of AAA mobile games. The third generation of mobile RPGs capitalised on advanced smartphone technology, offering 3D graphics, interactive turn-based battles, and more sophisticated controls. The 4th generation, as envisioned by Mark Otero, includes open worlds, over-the-shoulder camera perspectives, real-time battles, and extended PvE campaigns. The aim is to compete with PC and Console RPGs.
The latest round of funding brings the total raised by Azra Games to $68.3 million. Azra Games' flagship game, code-named "Project Legends", is already open for the waitlist. The company plans to use the funds from the latest round to expand its team, accelerate the growth of its gaming titles, advance other projects in development, and further develop Azra Labs.
The first generation of mobile RPGs emerged with mobile app stores, characterised by text-based RPGs with 2D graphics. The second generation saw enhancements in UI, richer icons, and auto battles with basic animations. The evolution of mobile RPGs, under the guidance of Azra Games, is set to continue, promising an exciting future for both gamers and the blockchain gaming industry.
- The funding round will enable Azra Games to blend traditional gaming strengths with Web3 capabilities in their flagship game, LEGIONS & LEGENDS, which is a collectible combat RPG that could potentially attract both gamers and crypto natives.
- Azra Labs, the research and development studio of Azra Games, plans to use artificial intelligence to develop AAA mobile games, aiming to compete with PC and Console RPGs, and offering features like open worlds, over-the-shoulder camera perspectives, real-time battles, and extended PvE campaigns.
