Azra Games, a California-based developer of collectable combat role-playing games for core gamers, announced that it has raised $15M in a Seed funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz.
Other investors, including NFX, Coinbase Ventures, Play Ventures, and Franklin Templeton, participated.
How will the funding be used?
The seed funding will enable Azra Games to accelerate the development of its first game – an epic, sci-fi/fantasy collectibles and mass combat RPG code-named Project Arcanas.
“As a kid, I spent countless hours role-playing with all of my different toys,” says Mark Otero, founder & CEO of Azra Games.
He adds, “At Azra, we are making a game to recreate this joy, to re-engage adults’ imaginations with the ultimate collectibles fantasy, combined with the ultimate fast-paced mix-and-match combat that is accessible yet deeply strategic. Imagine role-playing giant monsters, robots, and creatures, and leading your favorite heroes and villains to battle – and on top of satisfying game sessions, a vibrant marketplace and a sustainable economy based on the real value that only web3 can unlock to deliver the most compelling and complete play experience.”
Immersive gaming powered by web3 technology
Founded by veteran game designer Mark Otero (best known for Electronic Arts’ top-grossing Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes), Sonny Mayugba, and Travis Boudreaux, Azra Games creates immersive game universes with specialised in-game economies and virtual collectibles powered by web3 technology.
The company’s first game will be Otero’s ninth in collectible and combat RPGs, as he is joined by a veteran game team with a deep history in the genre.
“CEO Mark Otero is a seasoned game director who was at the forefront of mobile free-to-play games with the hit franchise Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes,” says Jonathan Lai, General Partner, a16z.
He adds, “We’re excited to partner with Mark and the Azra team as they apply their expertise to web3 games in creating new types of gameplay and economy design.”
“We are incredibly impressed by what the team is building,” said Gigi Levy Weiss, NFX General Partner, known for high profile games investments like Moon Active, Playtika, Plarium, and more.
“I believe Azra will be the leader in blending amazing gameplay with digital ownership, offering ultimate value and entertainment to players,” he concludes.
