HyperPlay Raises $12 Million to Accelerate Web3 Game Launcher

HyperPlay, a platform (or launcher) for accessing Web3-native games, has raised a $12 million Series A funding round co-led by Griffin Gaming Partners and Bitkraft Ventures. Ethereum software studio ConsenSys also participated in the round.

The startup was founded last November as a joint initiative between ConsenSys, the parent company of popular Ethereum wallet MetaMask, and the gaming-centric DAO (or tokenized community) Game7. Pseudonymous founder JacobC.eth was previously an operations lead at MetaMask. (Disclosure: ConsenSys is one of 22 strategic investors in Decrypt.)

“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,” said Pierre Planche, partner at Griffin Gaming Partners, in a release.

HyperPlay launched its service in March. At the time, JacobC.eth told Decrypt that the platform will make its money through complementary services, rather than taking a cut of game sales.

“Unlike the Apple Store, we’re not taking a 30% cut of your developer’s in-game economy,” he said at the time. “We’re a super developer-loyal product.”

HyperPlay specializes in Web3 games, which use NFTs and crypto tokens and offer open economies for players. The platform currently lists Web3 games like The Sandbox, The Bornless, Phantom Galaxies, and DeFi Kingdoms.

However, the launcher also aggregates traditional video game listings from popular stores like Epic Games and Good Old Games. As such, it’s designed as a one-stop-shop for PC gamers.

HyperPlay said that it will use the funding to further develop its launcher, as well as fuel international expansion for the platform.