Liminal Experiences, a startup focused on user-generated content (UGC) gaming and artificial intelligence (AI), has raised $5.8 million in funding. The company aims to merge AI technology with human creativity, allowing players to develop their own RPG-style adventures without requiring coding expertise. In an interview with GamesBeat, CEO Brendan Mulligan described the platform as a way for players to build immersive worlds, bring characters to life, and collaborate with others in storytelling-driven gameplay.

Over 5 Million Raised

The funding round was backed by notable gaming industry investors, including Bitkraft Ventures, Riot Games, and OTK Media Group. Angel investor Marc Merrill, co-founder of Riot Games, also participated. Mulligan acknowledged that AI in gaming remains a sensitive topic, with concerns about automation replacing human developers. However, he emphasized that Liminal Experiences is focused on using AI as a tool to support and enhance creativity rather than replace it.

Liminal Experiences Secures $5.8 Million

Designed for Creativity and Community

Liminal Experiences offers a game development environment where players can create interactive stories and episodic content. The platform enables users to design and customize 3D worlds, build characters, and structure gameplay without requiring programming knowledge. The AI-powered system acts as a creative assistant, helping players shape their narratives and refine their storytelling.

The company believes its approach fills a gap in the gaming market by offering a solution that existing UGC platforms may not provide. Liminal aims to appeal not only to independent creators but also to well-established intellectual properties (IPs) looking for ways to engage audiences through interactive content. Mulligan noted that many game studios recognize the potential of UGC but struggle to find suitable tools to align with their brand identity. Liminal’s platform seeks to address this challenge by enabling official episodes that can be modified and shared by fans, fostering engagement between players and their favorite franchises.

Crafting Stories Through Play

Balancing AI with Human-Centered Creativity

Mulligan and his team view AI as an essential tool for game development, particularly in assisting with storytelling and content creation. The company employs a flexible approach to AI integration, utilizing different models based on specific creative needs. This adaptability allows Liminal to apply AI tools that complement the user experience without diminishing human involvement in the process.

Despite the growing role of AI in gaming, industry perspectives on its use remain divided. A recent Game Developers Conference survey indicated an increase in skepticism toward AI, with 30% of developers expressing negative views compared to 18% the previous year. Mulligan attributed this shift to concerns about automation replacing traditional roles in game development. However, he believes that AI, when used responsibly, can expand creative opportunities and make game design more accessible to a wider audience.

Liminal Experiences Team

Long-Term Vision for the Future of Gaming

Liminal Experiences was founded in 2022 as a fully remote game development studio and currently has a team of 15 people. The company remains in active development, with plans to launch an alpha version of its platform in 2026. Mulligan, who previously spent eight years at Riot Games working on various strategic initiatives, is leading Liminal with a vision of enabling millions of players to become storytellers in their own right.

The company is positioning itself as a successor to classic creativity-driven games like The Sims, emphasizing intuitive and engaging worldbuilding. By focusing on episodic content, Liminal aims to offer a sustainable model where game franchises can maintain player engagement throughout the year. This approach allows for frequent content updates while encouraging communities to contribute their own narratives within established game worlds.

Looking ahead, Liminal Experiences plans to continue expanding its platform and raising additional funding to support its growth. The company remains committed to centering human creativity in gaming while leveraging AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for traditional development. As the industry evolves, Liminal seeks to establish itself as a leading force in AI-assisted game creation, providing both players and studios with new opportunities to engage in interactive storytelling.

Source: GamesBeat