Autoverse Studios, a Los Angeles-based company, has raised $8 million to further develop its innovative social drag-racing game, Auto Legends. The funding round, led by White Star Capital, will help complete the game, which aims to merge traditional free-to-play gaming with web3 ownership and trade mechanics, appealing to both hardcore car enthusiasts and casual gamers.

New Era in Racing Games

Auto Legends sets out to enhance the gaming landscape by offering a multifaceted experience that extends beyond racing. Players can explore various paths to becoming automotive legends, including racing, car collecting, team ownership, tournament hosting, providing tuning services, and running car dealerships. The game’s ecosystem is designed to mirror the real-life journey of car enthusiasts, providing players with a broad range of activities and opportunities.

The game, which is currently in closed alpha testing on the Epic Games Store for PC and Mac, will also be available on iOS and Android. Players who wish to dive deeper into the game can utilize web3 features on the web, adding another layer of depth to their experience.

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The Team Behind the Game

Autoverse Studios is led by Justin Choice, the executive chairman and former founder of Cie Games, known for successful titles like Car Town and Racing Rivals. He has reunited with ex-teammates and industry veterans from companies like Glu Mobile, Riot Games, Xbox, EA, Ubisoft, and Scopely to develop Auto Legends. The team’s previous projects have collectively reached 140 million players, with several games achieving the No. 1 spot in their respective categories.

Peter Pham, CEO, and Dinko Tontchev, head of product and tech, have joined Choice to build what they hope will become the next great auto franchise. The team is backed by a notable roster of investors, including industry veterans and car industry luminaries such as Horacio Pagani and Miller Motorcars.

Auto Legends Promotional Graphics

The Vision for Auto Legends

Auto Legends is not just about winning races; it’s about building a reputation within the game’s community. Players can choose their path to becoming a legend, whether by mastering car tuning, dominating races, hosting popular tournaments, or simply amassing a following. The game emphasizes social interaction, with features like car meet-ups, tournaments, and a unique popularity system based on followers, offering a comprehensive social network for car enthusiasts.

The game boasts seven real-life licensed car brands, representing over 50 models and trims, with new cars regularly added based on community recommendations. Each car can be customized with realistic aftermarket parts, allowing players to showcase their creativity and mechanical skills.

Auto Legends Gameplay

Web3 Integration and Player Ownership

One of the standout features of Auto Legends is its integration of web3 technology. While the game remains free-to-play, players can engage in ownership and trade of in-game assets, thanks to blockchain technology. This allows for secure transactions and the potential for players to monetize their in-game activities, a feature that has been lacking in previous racing games.

The game will include various gameplay mechanics that leverage web3, such as pink-slip racing, where players can wager their cars in high-stakes races. Additionally, the game’s creator economy enables players to design and sell custom parts, further enhancing the immersive experience.

Gameplay Screenshot

Looking Ahead

Autoverse Studios plans to showcase Auto Legends at major industry events, including Gamescom and the aftermarket car show in Las Vegas. The company has also hinted at exciting real-world collaborations, where top players could receive recognition from car companies and even exclusive opportunities, such as visiting private car museums.

Auto Legends is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming industry, blending traditional gameplay with cutting-edge web3 technology to create a unique and engaging experience for players. As the game progresses through its development stages, the team at Autoverse Studios remains focused on delivering a product that not only entertains but also redefines what it means to be a car enthusiast in the digital age.

Source: GamesBeat