HyperPlay raises $12M for cross-chain Web3 game launcher

HyperPlay, a game launcher and cross-chain aggregator of various game stores, has successfully secured $12 million in funding. The project was introduced in November of the preceding year, emerging as a collaborative effort between MetaMask, a Web3 wallet that prioritizes user control, and Game7, a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) dedicated to constructing Web3 gaming infrastructure.

HyperPlay raises $12M for cross-chain Web3 game launcher

HyperPlay, a platform that combines a Web3 game launcher and a cross-chain aggregator for multiple game stores, has successfully raised $12 million in funding. In November of the previous year, HyperPlay was introduced as a collaborative effort between MetaMask, a self-custody Web3 wallet, and Game7, a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) focused on developing Web3 gaming infrastructure.

The main objective of HyperPlay is to establish interoperability as the standard for all Web3 games. It achieves this by integrating a wallet overlay into games, enabling players to seamlessly utilize their MetaMask wallet directly within native or browser-based games.

The funding round was co-led by Griffin Gaming Partners and Bitkraft Ventures. Notable investors in this round include ConsenSys, the parent company of MetaMask, as well as Ethereal Ventures, Delphi, Game7, Mirana Ventures, Monoceros Ventures, and various others.

HyperPlay ensures there is a home for games that is open and developer-friendly, encouraging technical innovation in games and accruing more value to developers versus traditional constructs.

Pierre Planche, a partner at Griffin Gaming Partners

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.

Pierre Planche, a partner at Griffin Gaming Partners

Despite the extensive use of the term “Web3 gaming” in recent years, most Web3 games have remained confined within closed systems that lack the desired interoperability that game developers aim to achieve.

HyperPlay highlighted the challenges faced by developers who wished to incorporate greater Web3 functionality into their games, including issues of censorship, de-platforming, and significant fees imposed by dominant Web2 platforms like Apple and Steam.

According to HyperPlay, this successful fundraising effort underlines the urgent necessity for seamless interoperability within the Web3 gaming ecosystem. With the completion of the funding round, HyperPlay intends to focus on scaling its operations, enhancing its flagship game launcher, and expanding its global reach.

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.

Malte Barth, a partner at Bitkraft Ventures

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.

Malte Barth, a 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

Ezgi Cengiz, senior product manager at MetaMask

HyperPlay prides itself on its commitment to serving the interests of both developers and users. In contrast to Apple and Steam, which impose a 30% tax burden on game developers, HyperPlay emphasizes its developer-friendly approach. HyperPlay does not impose any taxes on in-game economies, instead generating revenue through optional features such as on-ramping or token swaps.

From the user perspective, HyperPlay offers extensive support for all Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible chains. This enables players to seamlessly carry their wallets, tokens, and NFTs across various native or browser games. HyperPlay’s launcher integrates an in-game wallet overlay, eliminating the need for users to exit the game and navigate to a separate website for NFT transactions.

Although HyperPlay supports games on all chains supported by MetaMask, the platform has hinted at exciting forthcoming features specifically designed for Mantle L2. Mantle L2 is an Ethereum scaling solution that prioritizes gaming experiences.

Since announcing HyperPlay in November of last year, we’ve been focused on building a platform that empowers both developers and users to effortlessly navigate the Web3 gaming realm. 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.

JacobC.eth, founder of HyperPlay

HyperPlay’s Series announcement arrives just in time for the upcoming 3XP Gaming Expo by Game7, a significant event that seeks to bring together top publishers, renowned brands, and influential thinkers in the industry to shape the future of gaming. Presently, HyperPlay’s game store boasts an impressive collection of more than 33 Web3 titles.

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