Acid Labs has raised $8 million in funding to support the development of instant-play web3 games designed for social messaging platforms. The funding round was led by A16z Speedrun and NFX, with additional participation from Fusion VC and key figures in the gaming industry. The company aims to build viral gaming experiences within chat applications, where users are already actively engaged in messaging.

Acid Labs Raises $8 Million to Build "Viral" Web3 Games

Chat-Based Games

The company has already seen success with its game Boinkers.io, which has attracted 11.5 million monthly players on Telegram. This growth highlights the potential of integrating gaming within social messaging platforms, creating opportunities for games that are instantly accessible and designed to be played with friends. Acid Labs believes that chat-based games will play an increasingly significant role in the gaming industry, as they leverage the network effects of messaging platforms to drive organic growth.

Social Gaming on Telegram

Industry Support and Investment Details

Jonn Weinberg, the CEO of Acid Labs, is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in the gaming industry. Over the past decade, he has founded multiple companies that have generated significant revenue and engaged millions of players. His previous venture, Fuse.tv, was acquired, further demonstrating his track record in digital entertainment.

The investment partners recognize the potential of social-integrated gaming. Josh Lu, a partner at a16z Games, emphasized that chat-based applications have strong built-in network effects that naturally complement gaming experiences. Gigi Levy-Weiss, general partner at NFX, noted that successful gaming companies require not only innovative ideas but also teams that can execute effectively. He pointed to Acid Labs' rapid growth as evidence of their ability to navigate the evolving web3 gaming landscape.

Boinkers.io on Telegram

About Boinkers.io and Future Plans

Boinkers.io, Acid Labs’ most prominent game, is a casual tap-to-earn game with a humorous and meme-driven style. Designed specifically for Telegram, the game incorporates parody elements and social interaction to keep players engaged. While it leans into internet culture and humor, its success indicates a broader trend toward games that are lightweight, accessible, and shareable within chat environments.

With additional funding, Acid Labs plans to expand its portfolio of social-first blockchain games. The company is focused on creating seamless gaming experiences that integrate naturally into messaging apps, allowing players to engage without the need for separate downloads or lengthy onboarding processes. As the demand for accessible and socially connected gaming continues to grow, Acid Labs is positioning itself as a notable addition to the space.

Source: GamesBeat