Update: This is not a web3 game but we’ll keep it online for the memes or for when they come to their senses.
Embarking on a fresh journey in the gaming world, Rascal Games announces the launch of their new studio. Along with a $4.2 million investment and a hearty invitation for gaming enthusiasts to join their team. Let’s dive into the excitement stirred up by co-founder Rick through a Medium blog, and the vivid adventure that awaits in the world of Rascal Games.
The funding for the project is provided by venture capital firm Patron, supplemented by contributions from several notable investors including Stephen Lim, co-creator of Valorant and Raidbase; Mitch Lasky, an early supporter of Riot Games, Thatgamecompany, and Manticore Games; Stanislav Vishnevskiy of Discord; Anjney Midha, a general partner at A16z; and a16z Speedrun.
Embarking on a Group-based PvE Action Adventure: Project Wayward
With a substantial funding of $4.2M through a16z Games Speedrun Accelerator Program and various investors, Rascal Games is on the mission to bring to life Project Wayward, a shared world PvE action adventure game inspired by renowned games like Sea of Thieves and Valheim. The vision is clear – to recreate the exhilarating experience of embarking on adventures with friends in mystical worlds, fostering camaraderie and unforgettable shared narratives.
The Magic Behind Multiplayer Adventures
Rick narrates his personal journey from dreaming about fantastical worlds in suburban Texas to experiencing them through RPGs and multiplayer games. He emphasizes the intrinsic magic of multiplayer adventure games, wherein players can weave personal experiences into shared narratives, fortifying friendships and creating cherished memories. With Project Wayward, Rascal Games intends to create a platform that fosters such memorable experiences every night, encouraging players to surprise each other and weave stories together.
Meet the Brains Behind Rascal Games
The dynamic duo of Rick and his co-founder Jon bring a wealth of experience from their previous venture, Blitz.gg, and their significant roles at Discord. Their journey so far has been marked with scaling Discord, fostering communities, and connecting millions globally. With Rascal Games, they aim to channel their expertise to create games that nurture bonds between friends, with a focus on group dynamics and memorable shared experiences.
Guiding Principles of Rascal Games
- Unapologetically Multiplayer: A firm commitment to enhance group gaming experiences, even at the cost of the solo player experience.
- Challenging Games Over Easy Games: Creating games that foster unity and meaningful teamwork through adversity.
- Empowering Players to be Heroes: Crafting spaces where individuals can shine, play significant roles, and create epic group memories.
Join the Adventure: They are Hiring!
Rascal Games is gearing up for an ambitious journey and is on the lookout for passionate game devs to join their adventure. They believe in building a team where trust, ownership, and empathy reign supreme, fostering an environment that cultivates creativity and hands-on crafting experiences. If the idea of nightly adventures with friends exhilarates you, Rascal Games invites you to explore their available roles.
Backing and Support
With robust backing from reputable game developers and investors, including a notable $4.2M seed round led by Patron, Rascal Games is poised for a strong start. The support network extends to several industry veterans and enthusiasts, promising a solid foundation for the upcoming venture.
Congrats Rick Ling and Jonathan Lin on launching Rascal Games! We at a16z Games SPEEDRUN are excited to support Rascal alongside our friends Patron, Mitch Lasky, Stephen Lim, Anjney Midha, and many other great investors.
Jonathan Lai, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz
We had the pleasure of working closely with Rick and Jon over the course of our Speedrun program, and came away impressed with their technical expertise, their execution focus as repeat founders, and the many novel ways they are applying lessons from their time building consumer social products like Discord and Blitz to gaming experiences. At a16z, we believe that games are the future of social: that interactive virtual worlds > the text / image based social networks of the past. And what the Rascal team is building is very much aligned with this vision
Stay tuned to follow their adventure and be a part of a gaming revolution that aims to bring friends closer through the magic of shared adventures. While the team embarks on this thrilling journey, they anticipate a quiet phase to focus on building a game that speaks volumes. Catch up with them later as they resurface with exhilarating updates.
