This article was written by Ken Leaver who comes from a product & commercial background. He has founded multiple companies and held senior product positions at SEA tech companies like Lazada and Pomelo Fashion.
Ken runs his own agency that helps early stage companies execute faster and cheaper. Check out his linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenleaver/
Guest Author: Ken Leaver
October 30, 2024 – 81RAVENS PTE. LTD.®, the developers behind the fast-paced, free-to-play 3v3 arena shooter PARAVOX, announced today that it has raised $4.5 million in seed funding led by DIGITAL HEARTS HOLDINGS Co., Ltd.® and GREE Ventures. The funding will support the continued development and marketing of PARAVOX, which will launch on the Solana blockchain.
81RAVENS® is a Singaporean game development company founded in 2020. As a team of experienced game developers, publishers, and league organizers in Japan and Southeast Asia, 81RAVENS has quickly become a rising star. 81RAVENS’ inaugural title, PARAVOX, is a free-to-play 3v3 rapid arena shooter featuring a unique blend of movement, skill mastery, and tactical precision.
PARAVOX is currently in Global Open Alpha and has already gained significant traction, with over 100,000 downloads on the Epic Games Store® following its Private Alpha launch in Japan and Southeast Asia. Currently, the title has over 100,000 registered accounts.
In addition to the funding round, 81RAVENS has selected to deploy on the Solana blockchain, which offers a seamless, low-friction experience for players. With its fast, scalable infrastructure and extremely low transaction costs, Solana enables real-time gameplay and smooth on-chain integrations, perfect for enhancing the player experience. Solana’s vibrant, globally distributed community perfectly aligns with and complements the growing PARAVOX ecosystem.
“81RAVENS aims to revolutionize the esports ecosystem by creating a platform that fairly distributes incentives to all contributors, from viewers to competitors and third-party creators. Our goal is to expand the esports market to 10 trillion yen by addressing the current imbalance between publishers and communities. While we may appear to be a game studio, our true identity as a platform is our unique insight, enabling us to connect all aspects of esports through tokens and accurately measure each title’s market size,” commented Shimpei Yoshimura, CEO & Co-Founder of 81RAVENS.
This year, PARAVOX hosted the PARAVOX Global Rapid Tournament (PGRT), its first major esports event, which featured a prize pool of 100 million yen and attracted over half a million viewers, with 23 esports teams participating. World-class professional teams from Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America such as LOUD®, ZETA DIVISON®, and Blacklist International® have already partnered with PARAVOX, solidifying PARAVOX as a real player in esports. PCI, the second major esports tournament, is planned to take place in December, with top-tier teams like LOUD® among the participants.
“As an independent game developer and Esports venture, we believe 81 RAVENS can bring a breath of fresh air to the game industry with this very unique and exciting 3vs3 shooter PARAVOX and its blockchain business model. DIGITAL HEARTS supports 81 RAVENS’ challenges with all our might,” commented DIGITAL HEARTS HOLDINGS Co., Ltd. President & CEO Toshiya Tsukushi.
“Since meeting 81RAVENS, I have eagerly anticipated their growth. Having known Shimpei since he was in high school, I am delighted to see this milestone achieved. 81RAVENS possesses unique strengths, including strong reach to influencers, cost-effective and rapid game development, and an essential approach to GameFi. I am confident they will continue to make a significant impact on the global market. With their entry into the Solana ecosystem, I look forward to seeing them further integrate games and blockchain technology, delivering a next-generation entertainment experience,” said GREE Ventures, Inc. CEO Shintaro Aikawa.
To download PARAVOX, visit the Epic Game Store. To wishlist PARAVOX on Steam please visit PARAVOX on Steam. The game is currently being enhanced and improved in preparation for its Steam release, scheduled for the end of 2024.
About 81RAVENS
Established in 2020, 81RAVENS® is a passionate team dedicated to fostering a revolutionary and inclusive esports experience. We leverage innovation to empower gamers, competitive teams, and industry partners. Our core mission is to redefine esports by building a welcoming community, providing valuable resources, and championing the success of all stakeholders. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to constant improvement, 81RAVENS® strives to push the boundaries of the esports landscape.
About PARAVOX
PARAVOX is a groundbreaking FREE-to-PLAY 3v3 TPS High-Speed Action PC Game developed by 81RAVENS. Immerse yourself in adrenaline-pumping action, where lightning-fast reflexes and strategic prowess are the keys to victory. With dynamic gameplay and unique weapon skills, PARAVOX delivers an unparalleled gaming experience. Engage in intense battles as you compete for control of strategic areas on the map. Each weapon boasts its own set of abilities, adding depth and complexity to the combat experience. Quick tactical decisions are essential as you navigate through high-octane encounters that test your skills and strategy.
