The social commerce, gaming, and web3 company Ink Games announced that it has raised $18.75 million through a funding round. The gaming entity was founded in 2019 by Robert Towles and Joshua Gause in order to create an interconnected mobile gaming and Web3 world where users could play and earn.
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The Austin-based video game firm secured a $9.5 million funding back on September 2021 and increased its headcount by 15% since then. The social gaming platform received over $29 million in total thus far to develop its first mobile game Prize Kingdoms as well as to bring life to its unique built-in sweepstakes engine.
The developer is testing its one and only game, Prize Kingdoms, on several markets before releasing the game officially worldwide, and both founders are quite happy with the feedback they’ve received so far. The duo talked to GamesBeat about INK Games’ vision for the future of the video games industry. The CEO and co-founder of the firm, Robert Towles said:
“INK Games offers the only platform where billions of users can get paid for playing games and referring others. With our technology, users can onboard their entire connectivity and social reach — and monetize their viral reach, forever.
“A few years ago, mobile casual gamers wanted in-game incentives. Now, they understand the tremendous value they bring — and they expect to get paid. The tables are turning: Soon, worthless incentives won’t cut it.
“Users want a meaningful share in revenues. Even more, billions of people now realize they hold tremendous influence through their social media, connections and following. They want to wield this profitably and easily.”
INK Games’ CCO and co-founder Joshua Gause added the following:
“Users are playing every day, often logging multiple hours of game time. Importantly, our playtesting proves that we’re a game for everyone — and will have massive appeal to the global gaming community. Engagement rates are already incredible across various segments and demographics, including age and gender.
“Users are blown away by the competitive social features and opportunity to win real prizes. The full release of Prize Kingdoms is scheduled for later this year and we’re anticipating mass-market success.”
The duo strongly believes that the future of the gaming world will turn to pay-to-earn systems and the change is inevitable.
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