The Web3-native game launcher built in partnership with MetaMask is closing its first ever funding round led by industry heavyweights Griffin Gaming Partners and BITKRAFT Ventures in order to challenge monopolies game store monopolies like Steam and Apple
NEWARK, Del.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HyperPlay, a Web3-native game launcher and aggregator of multiple game stores, today announced $12 million in Series A funding co-led by Griffin Gaming Partners and BITKRAFT Ventures, along with MetaMask’s parent company, ConsenSys. HyperPlay was launched in November of last year as a joint collaboration between MetaMask, the leading self-custody Web3 wallet, and Game7, a DAO focused on building Web3 gaming infrastructure. HyperPlay aims to make interoperability the default for all Web3 games through a wallet overlay on top of games that allows players to carry their MetaMask wallet directly inside of native or browser-based games.
“HyperPlay ensures there is a home for open and developer-friendly games, encouraging technical innovation in games and accruing more value to developers versus traditional constructs. The platform will enable a better overarching user experience for gamers across all games, thanks to a persistent data layer for discovery, assets, profiles, achievements, and more. Jacob is a core contributor to MetaMask’s success, and we are excited about HyperPlay’s close partnership with the MetaMask team and Game7,” said Pierre Planche, Partner at Griffin Gaming Partners.
The last two years have seen tremendous growth in Web3 gaming, but legacy platforms required that most Web3 games be structured as walled gardens that lack the kinds of interoperable use cases that Web3 game developers want to build. When game developers chose to build greater Web3 utility into their games, they faced censorship, de-platforming, and massive taxation from web2 monopolies like Apple and Steam. This fundraising signifies the dire need for seamless interoperability across the Web3 gaming ecosystem. Following the Series A raise, HyperPlay plans to scale, fully enhancing its flagship game launcher and increasing its international presence.
“We are impressed with HyperPlay’s developer-first approach, making them the Web3 game launcher of choice. Giving game developers the freedom to deploy on any chain they choose while allowing players to carry their wallet, NFTs, tokens, and achievements into every game. This sets them apart from others in the space, while the launcher offers unique usability and convenience for users. We can see a world where HyperPlay branches over into mobile platforms and web2 games,” commented Malte Barth, Partner at BITKRAFT Ventures.
“HyperPlay allows developers to build new kinds of gaming experiences with MetaMask. We are delighted to continue supporting HyperPlay as it disrupts not only the Web3 gaming landscape but the broader Web2 gaming industry as well,” said Ezgi Cengiz, Senior Product Manager at MetaMask.
HyperPlay prides itself on serving both developers and users alike. Unlike Apple and Steam, which levy 30% taxes on game developers, HyperPlay is developer loyal. HyperPlay charges no taxes on in-game economies, instead monetizing optional features like on-ramping or token swaps. HyperPlay supports all EVM-compatible chains on the user side, enabling players to bring their wallets, tokens, and NFTs into every native or browser game. HyperPlay’s launcher integrates an in-game wallet overlay, eliminating the need for users to leave the game and use a separate website for NFT transactions. While HyperPlay supports games on all MetaMask supported chains, HyperPlay has teased that some special features are coming to the Mantle L2, an Ethereum scaling solution with an emphasis on gaming.
“Since announcing HyperPlay in November of last year, we’ve been focused on building a platform that empowers both developers and users to navigate the Web3 gaming realm effortlessly,” said JacobC.eth, Founder of HyperPlay. “We look forward to leveraging the capital raise to strengthen our product as the premier Web3 gaming platform and continue to expand our global footprint.”
HyperPlay’s Series A announcement comes just ahead of Game7’s 3XP Gaming Expo, which aims to unite the most prominent publishers, brands, and thought leaders in the space to build the future of gaming. HyperPlay’s game store currently offers over 33 Web3 titles. Other investors in the round include Ethereal Ventures, Delphi, Game7, Mirana Ventures, Monoceros Ventures, and others.
Developers interested in listing their games on HyperPlay can register here.
To download the HyperPlay launcher, visit the official website www.hyperplay.xyz
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