Autoverse Studios, the US-based developer behind the drag racing game Auto Legends, has appointed Jaim Friesen as its new Studio General Manager. Friesen brings 25 years of experience in the gaming industry, having worked on titles across multiple platforms and genres. Prior to joining Autoverse, he contributed to Scopely’s Monopoly Go, GSN Games’ Tiki Solitaire TriPeaks, and Electronic Arts’ Pogo and Origin teams.
Autoverse Studios Expands Leadership Team
About Auto Legends
In Auto Legends players can engage in various aspects of automotive culture, including racing, collecting vehicles, team ownership, hosting tournaments, offering tuning services, building and selling car parts, and managing virtual dealerships. The game seeks to bridge the gap between traditional racing games and blockchain-powered ownership, providing users with a dynamic, player-driven economy.
The additional investment will support the game’s continued development, allowing the team to refine gameplay mechanics, expand features, and enhance accessibility for both web2 and web3 players. With a team composed of industry veterans from top gaming studios, Auto Legends is positioning itself as an interesting addition to the evolving web3 gaming market.
Autoverse Studios Expands Leadership Team
Origins and Vision Behind the Game
Auto Legends is being developed by Autoverse Studios, led by executive chairman Justin Choice, the founder of Cie Games, which previously created successful racing games such as Car Town and Racing Rivals. The team includes former members of Cie Games, Glu Mobile, Riot Games, Xbox, EA, Ubisoft, and Scopely, bringing together decades of experience in racing game development.
Previous titles developed by members of the Auto Legends team, including Nitto 1320 Legends, Car Town, and Racing Rivals, collectively reached 140 million players and were recognized as top-performing automotive games. Auto Legends aims to continue this legacy by offering a social, competitive, and authentic vehicle ownership experience.
Autoverse Studios Expands Leadership Team
Expertise in Game Development
According to Autoverse CEO Peter Pham, Friesen’s experience will be instrumental in scaling the studio. “Jaim has helped launch billion-dollar games, built global teams and knows exactly how to scale a studio,” Pham said. He also highlighted Friesen’s understanding of subscription-based, skill-based, and free-to-play models, noting that his passion for cars aligns closely with the community Auto Legends aims to engage.
Funding and Platform Availability
Auto Legends recently increased its total funding to more than $9 million, including a $1 million investment from Coinbase Ventures. The game is currently in closed testing and is available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Mobile versions of the game are also in development, suggesting Autoverse Studios’ plans to reach a wider audience across platforms.
Autoverse Studios Expands Leadership Team
Industry Impact and Future Plans
Friesen’s appointment signals Autoverse Studios’ commitment to professional growth and game quality. By combining his expertise with the studio’s ongoing development efforts, the team aims to deliver a competitive experience in the racing game market, appealing to both casual and dedicated players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Jaim Friesen?
Jaim Friesen is a game developer with 25 years of experience in the industry. He has worked at Scopely, GSN Games, and Electronic Arts before joining Autoverse Studios as Studio General Manager.
What is Auto Legends?
Auto Legends is a drag racing game developed by Autoverse Studios. It is currently in closed testing on Steam and the Epic Games Store, with mobile versions in development.
How much funding has Auto Legends received?
The game has raised over $9 million in total funding, including a $1 million investment from Coinbase Ventures.
What platforms will Auto Legends be available on?
Auto Legends is available in closed testing on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Mobile versions are also planned for future release.
What does Jaim Friesen bring to Autoverse Studios?
Friesen brings extensive experience in launching large-scale games, building global teams, and scaling studios. His knowledge spans subscription, skill-based, and free-to-play game models.
Is Auto Legends connected to web3?
While Auto Legends has received investment from Coinbase Ventures, the game itself does not currently integrate web3 technology.
