Blockchain
NEON Closes Successful Seed Funding Round, Raising $10.5 Million Led by Griffin Gaming Partners
NEON, an independent game studio, has closed a successful seed funding round, raising $10.5 million USD to build the world’s first blockchain-enabled AAA first-person shooter game. Demonstrating significant interest in the project across the gaming, blockchain, and technology sectors, the oversubscribed round was led by Griffin Gaming Partners, alongside Polychain Capital and Forte. Forte will also provide technical support to the project.
Designed to reward and empower players and creators, Shrapnel will be the world’s first blockchain-enabled AAA first-person shooter game. Full details of the game are set to be announced next year.
Commenting on the raise, Mark Long, CEO at NEON, said, “When we saw the market research that players want to truly own their digital items, we knew there was a unique opportunity in blockchain. Thanks to Griffin’s investment and expertise, along with Polychain and Forte, we can bring to life a game and mod platform that I’ve dreamed of making for years. This team is inspiring to work with. We know we have the right game with the right tech at the right time.”
Spun-out from HBO Interactive, the NEON team has unmatched professional experience in transmedia, virtual production, and gaming-as-a-service. Comprised of BAFTA and Emmy award-winning game industry veterans hailing from some of the world’s leading game companies including Xbox, Electronic Arts, HBO, LucasFilm, Irrational, and Zombie Ent amongst others, NEON’s vision is to create the most immersive gaming experience ever seen in the crypto space. To support this vision, a range of blockchain and deep tech experts will support the architectural and design needs of the game.
Pierre Planche, Partner at Griffin Gaming Partners, said, “Griffin is thrilled to be working closely with Mark and the NEON team as well as an awesome group of strategic partners. It is exciting to see a AAA games team of this caliber contribute to moving the blockchain gaming ecosystem forward with a focus on quality gameplay and long-term value. NEON is authentically leveraging some of the most exciting pillars of utility that blockchain has to offer gaming – its core game design innovates on competitive game modes, and its digital economy will directly reward and empower the community. As a long-time FPS player and prior esports competitor in the genre, I know Shrapnel is exactly the experience my peers and I can’t wait to get our hands on.”
Ben Perszyk, Partner at Polychain, said, “Polychain has long held that crypto will enable novel, unforeseen behaviors, businesses, and use cases, and we are seeing another example of that now with Shrapnel. We believe crypto assets and incentive structures will fundamentally change the way users play games, and we’re extremely excited to see the experienced team at NEON push the envelope forward on what’s possible in the crypto gaming industry by integrating crypto into a deep, immersive, AAA-style FPS experience.”
Josh Williams, CEO and Co-Founder of Forte, said, “Experienced game developers like the NEON team know that core gameplay and engagement mechanics are crucial for staying power. They are committed to creating sustainable blockchain ecosystems by putting game design and user experience first and we are honored they’ve chosen Forte to help them bring their vision to life.”
Full details of the game and a trailer are set to be released in early 2022. As development ramps up, NEON is currently hiring for its Seattle-based team. Game developers looking to join a best in class team at the vanguard of a new era in gaming can reach out to [email protected].
Future updates will be found at www.shrapnel.com
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Blockchain
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (BlackRock, Plume, SEALSQ, Hedera, Deutsche Bank, KuCoin)
Blockchain technology continues to drive innovation across industries, reshaping finance, infrastructure, and philanthropy. Today’s news roundup explores exciting developments in blockchain ETFs, tokenization funding, quantum-resistant chips, public blockchain initiatives, and impactful social projects. Here’s a deep dive into the latest blockchain headlines:
BlackRock ETF Embraces Blockchain with First Muni Bond Purchase
BlackRock’s blockchain-focused ETF has made its first foray into municipal bonds, signaling increased confidence in integrating blockchain technology with traditional finance. The ETF’s strategic investment demonstrates how blockchain can enhance transparency and efficiency in bond markets.
By tokenizing municipal bonds, BlackRock aims to simplify trading and settlement processes while reducing associated costs. This development underscores the growing role of blockchain in transforming financial instruments and fostering greater market accessibility.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Plume Secures Funding for Tokenization Platform
Blockchain fintech company Plume has raised significant funding to advance its tokenization platform. The company’s innovative approach enables businesses to convert real-world assets into digital tokens, streamlining asset management and unlocking liquidity.
Tokenization is rapidly gaining traction as a game-changer in sectors such as real estate, art, and commodities. Plume’s success reflects a broader trend of investment in blockchain solutions that bridge the gap between traditional assets and decentralized technologies.
Source: Fortune
SEALSQ and Hedera Partner for Quantum-Resistant Blockchain Chips
SEALSQ and Hedera have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to develop quantum-resistant chips designed to secure blockchain infrastructure. These advanced chips will provide robust protection against future quantum computing threats, ensuring the integrity of blockchain networks.
As quantum computing capabilities evolve, safeguarding blockchain ecosystems becomes increasingly critical. This partnership highlights the importance of proactive measures in maintaining the resilience and trustworthiness of decentralized systems.
Source: The Quantum Insider
Deutsche Bank’s Public, Permissioned Blockchain Initiative
Deutsche Bank’s Layer 2 blockchain solution is set to go public and operate as a permissioned network, according to its tech partner. This initiative aims to strike a balance between accessibility and security, leveraging blockchain to streamline financial services and enhance operational efficiency.
The decision to adopt a public, permissioned model reflects a growing trend among enterprises seeking to harness the benefits of decentralization while maintaining control over sensitive data. Deutsche Bank’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other financial institutions exploring blockchain adoption.
Source: CoinDesk
KuCoin’s “Light Up Africa” Initiative Brings Hope to Thousands
Cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin has made a significant impact through its “Light Up Africa” donation ceremony in Ghana, benefiting 36,000 children across the continent. The initiative combines blockchain technology with philanthropy to address energy poverty and support education.
By leveraging blockchain for transparency in charitable contributions, KuCoin sets an example of how the crypto industry can drive meaningful social change. The project demonstrates the potential of blockchain to empower communities and foster sustainable development.
Source: PR Newswire
Industry Implications and Key Takeaways
Today’s developments highlight the transformative potential of blockchain across multiple domains:
- Integration with Traditional Finance: BlackRock’s ETF underscores the synergy between blockchain and established financial systems.
- Tokenization Trends: Plume’s funding success reflects the growing demand for digital asset solutions.
- Quantum-Resistant Technologies: SEALSQ and Hedera’s partnership addresses emerging cybersecurity challenges.
- Enterprise Blockchain Adoption: Deutsche Bank’s public, permissioned network showcases the adaptability of blockchain in financial services.
- Social Impact: KuCoin’s philanthropic efforts illustrate blockchain’s capacity to drive positive societal outcomes.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (BlackRock, Plume, SEALSQ, Hedera, Deutsche Bank, KuCoin) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
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