Singapore-based game development company 81RAVENS, the creators of the high-speed, 3v3 shooter game PARAVOX, recently announced a $4.5 million seed funding round led by Digital Hearts Holdings and Gree Ventures. The investment aims to accelerate PARAVOX’s development and marketing efforts as the company integrates with the Solana blockchain, enhancing the game’s ecosystem and engagement within the esports industry.

PARAVOX Live on Epic Games

Why Solana?

With roots in the competitive gaming scene in Japan and Southeast Asia, 81RAVENS has established itself as an emerging force in the esports sector since its founding in 2020. Their flagship title, PARAVOX, is a free-to-play, team-based arena shooter that emphasizes fast-paced action, skill mastery, and tactical decision-making. Already in Global Open Alpha, PARAVOX has gained significant traction, with over 100,000 downloads on the Epic Games Store following its private alpha launch.

This latest funding round will allow 81RAVENS to integrate PARAVOX with the Solana blockchain, an ecosystem recognized for its scalability and low transaction fees, which is ideal for supporting real-time, seamless gameplay. By leveraging Solana’s decentralized infrastructure, PARAVOX aims to offer a low-friction experience with smooth on-chain features, a move that aligns well with the Solana community’s global reach.

PARAVOX Secures $4.5 Million and Chooses Solana

Bridging the Gap in Esports with Blockchain

81RAVENS envisions creating a more inclusive esports ecosystem, where incentives are distributed equitably to participants, from players and teams to viewers and content creators. In a statement, Shimpei Yoshimura, CEO and Co-Founder of 81RAVENS, emphasized the company's mission to expand the esports market by addressing the disparities between publishers and the player community.

By leveraging blockchain technology, 81RAVENS seeks to reshape how contributions within the esports ecosystem are recognized and rewarded. “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,” said Yoshimura.

PARAVOX Key Art 1

Introducing High-Stakes Tournaments

Building on the momentum from its recent funding and blockchain integration, PARAVOX is setting a new standard in esports with high-stakes tournaments. The inaugural PARAVOX Global Rapid Tournament (PGRT) attracted over half a million viewers, with world-class teams from Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America, including notable organizations such as LOUD, ZETA DIVISION, and Blacklist International.

The upcoming PARAVOX Championship Invitational (PCI), set for December, promises another competitive showdown with top-tier teams. These events underscore PARAVOX’s growing impact on the esports landscape and provide a platform for 81RAVENS to foster relationships with key players across the globe.

PARAVOX Key Art 2

Final Thoughts

Prominent investors have expressed enthusiasm for 81RAVENS’ unique approach. DIGITAL HEARTS HOLDINGS’ President and CEO, Toshiya Tsukushi, highlighted the company’s potential to redefine the gaming industry by merging blockchain elements with a high-intensity shooter experience.

Similarly, Shintaro Aikawa, CEO of GREE Ventures, praised 81RAVENS’ effective approach to GameFi and rapid game development, predicting further success as the company deepens its blockchain integration. “Having known Shimpei since he was in high school, I am delighted to see this milestone achieved,” Aikawa commented, noting his confidence in 81RAVENS’ ability to make a lasting impact on the global market.