Build A Rocket Boy, the Edinburgh-based gaming studio founded by Leslie Benzies has secured over $110 million in a series D funding round, paving the way for the launch of its ambitious projects. RedBird Capital Partners led the recent funding round, bringing their extensive experience in media and entertainment investments.
Julia Wittlin, a partner at RedBird Capital, will also join Build A Rocket Boy’s board. The additional funding will facilitate the development and release of three flagship products: the immersive open-world platform EVERYWHERE, the AAA game series MindsEye, and a suite of user-friendly UGC (User-Generated Content) design tools known as ARCADIA.
Empowering creators in the future of game development
EVERYWHERE, which entered closed Alpha testing at the close of 2023, is a groundbreaking multi-world game experience that redefines the boundaries between reality and the digital realm. Offering endless possibilities, EVERYWHERE allows players to become anyone and live without constraints.
The platform prioritizes player engagement, featuring single-player and multiplayer gaming experiences and state-of-the-art UGC tools to revolutionize the video game creator economy.
MindsEye, on the other hand, is described as a highly anticipated AAA, story-driven game that delves into critical societal issues. Set at a pivotal moment in human development, the game explores themes such as increasing inequality, the proliferation of artificial intelligence, the rise of military robots, and the impending climate crisis.
Build A Rocket Boy has confirmed that EVERYWHERE and the first episode of MindsEye are on track to launch soon.
In addition to these exciting developments, Build A Rocket Boy has introduced ARCADIA, a suite of easy-to-use UGC design tools. While specific details about ARCADIA remain limited, the company’s focus on empowering players and creators suggests that these tools will play a significant role in shaping the future of game development.
Rocket Boy’s global presence and workforce
Build A Rocket Boy is headquartered in Edinburgh, with two offices in Leith. The company also maintains a presence in Budapest, Hungary, Montpelier, France, boasting over 300 employees.
The Series D funding round was spearheaded by RedBird Capital Partners, renowned for its investments in media, entertainment, sports, and experiential consumer ecosystems. Julia Wittlin, a partner at RedBird Capital, will join Build A Rocket Boy’s board, providing valuable expertise in building successful entertainment and media platforms.
This strategic partnership is expected to be instrumental in achieving the studio’s vision of player-centric game creation and content sharing.
Existing and new investors also lent substantial support to the funding round. Notable contributors include Galaxy Interactive, NetEase Games, Endeavor, Alignment Growth, Woodline Partners LP, and GTAM Partners.
Rocket Boy’s genre-defining journey
Leslie Benzies, the visionary behind Build A Rocket Boy, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with RedBird and the collective of investors. He outlined the studio’s commitment to allowing players to participate in game creation and shaping the gaming industry’s future.
Benzies noted, “We believe in a future where game creation is put in the hands of the players, and we will empower them with the tools to help shape this vision with us.”
RedBird Capital Partners shared their excitement about partnering with Build A Rocket Boy and supporting the studio’s journey to becoming a genre-defining game studio and entertainment platform.
Drawing upon its extensive investment portfolio in media, entertainment, sports, and experiential consumer sectors, RedBird is poised to offer unique insights into the gaming industry’s convergence with other forms of interactive entertainment.
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