Studio369, the company behind the blockchain-powered NFT game MetalCore, is making waves in the world of web3. Led by CEO Matt Candler and his team - whose extensive experience in the gaming industry includes notable titles such as The Walking Dead and MechWarrior 2 - Studio 369 is on a mission to revolutionize traditional gaming by integrating blockchain technology.

In a recent interview, Matt Candler shared insights into Studio 369’s journey, Metalcore’s origins, and his thoughts on the future of web3 gaming. In this article, we will break down the insights shared by Matt on the creation of MetalCore and the studio's future roadmap. You will also learn about their recent funding, partnership with Immutable X (IMX), and more.

Studio 369 and IP

Matt Candler brings nearly three decades of expertise to Studio 369, having worked on acclaimed titles since his tenure at Activision in 1995. With a team comprising industry veterans from Activision, Midway Games, and other renowned studios, Studio 369 is focused on delivering top-tier Action/RPG, Survival, Building, and FPS games. 

MetalCore their flagship project and IP is hoping to redefine the genre with its open-world mech shooter concept. The game is currently in its closed beta phase but promises users an immersive experience where they vie for dominance in both military and economic realms within a futuristic landscape.

Matt stated: "Studio 369’s goal is to create groundbreaking gaming experiences that seamlessly blend traditional gameplay with innovative technologies like blockchain. We aim to push the boundaries of what gaming can achieve, delivering immersive and engaging experiences to players worldwide."

Metalcore’s inception stemmed from the collective vision of industry experts, including Dan Nikolaides and Vic Lopez, who sought to fill a void in the web3 gaming market. Inspired by their extensive background in traditional gaming, they aimed to create AAA experiences that seamlessly integrated blockchain technology while prioritizing gameplay and user experience.

The team of industry veterans each with more than a decade of experience at gaming giants like Activision, Lucasfilm, Midway, and Phosphor. Their portfolios include work on iconic games and franchises such as Mechwarrior 2, Gears of War, Mortal Kombat, Silent Hill, Killer Instinct, Front Mission, LOTR Return to Moria, World of Mechs VR, and more. 

Matt commented: "Coming from the web2 gaming industry, we saw a gap in the market for AAA games in the web3 space that are focused on great gameplay and the gamer’s overall experience."

Fresh $5 Million Funding

Studio 369 recently secured a $5 million funding round supported by prominent investors like BITKRAFT, SpartanGroup, and Arrington Capital.  The latest funding round also saw participation from notable investors such as King River Digital Assets, Amber, Auros, Zeneca, Grail, Spirit Dao, LiquidX, Aggero, FatCats, Sonic Boom Ventures, Rarestone, Cypher Capital, Cogitant Ventures, EllioTrades and Citizen Capital. 

Matt expressed enthusiasm, stating: “We are excited to see that some of the most prominent companies and influencers in gaming continue to share and support our vision of MetalCore. The additional funding will help us hone and sharpen MetalCore even further to deliver the most fun, engaging, and awesome experience.”

 

Studio369 said they will use the newly raised funds for the continued development and upcoming features, such as a never-seen-before dynamic mission system that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to generate unique assignments, objectives, and tasks. These ensure infinite replayability and a never-ending stream of diverse, engaging scenarios.

Additionally, the investment will facilitate ecosystem expansion, partnership development, and player outreach, enabling Studio 369 to reach a wider audience. In the past, MetalCore has already won our GAM3 2022 Award for Best Shooter Game and previously raised $15 million. 

Studio369 and Immutable

Studio369 is collaborating closely with Immutable X (IMX). The web3 MMO is set to deploy on Immutable’s recently launched zkEVM mainnet, marking it as one of the first titles within this ecosystem. The open beta launch is anticipated for the spring of 2024, providing players with an extended opportunity to explore the evolving world of MetalCore.

Matt Candler says the partnership with Immutable has "been instrumental in seamlessly integrating Metalcore with web3 architecture. Noting that Immutable's technology provides scalability and eliminates gas fees for users, simplifying the onboarding process for players interested in exploring web3 features within Metalcore."

Furthermore, the Immutable Passport makes onboarding for players who choose to engage in web3 features in MetalCore as simple as any traditional game title. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for the average gamer and keeps the blockchain elements under the hood.

Matt added: "All of these tools come with support from their experts, who help with any pain points we may encounter and walk us through them. This is what web3 needs for developers to start building games that are ready for the mainstream but still offer all the benefits that this technology can offer."

Web3, Blockchain, NFTs

What sets Metalcore apart from its competitors is its commitment to delivering a captivating gaming experience, regardless of players' engagement with web3 elements. While blockchain integration allows for ownership of in-game assets as NFTs, players can enjoy Metalcore without any mandatory involvement in web3 mechanics or NFT purchases.

Looking ahead, Studio 369 envisions a future where web3 gaming prioritizes gameplay innovation, community engagement, and technological advancements. Metalcore’s impending full launch in 2024 signifies a milestone for the studio, setting new standards for immersive gaming experiences in the web3 era.

Final Thoughts

Matt added final sentiments stating: "At Studio 369, we prioritize gameplay above all else. We believe in letting gameplay speak for itself, a philosophy that resonates with gamers. However, some in the industry focus too much on the financial aspects of blockchain, which isn’t sustainable. Games must prioritize fun and immersion."

Excited players eager to explore MetalCore can sign up for the Closed Beta on their website at metalcore.gg to receive exclusive access codes and rewards. As Studio 369 continues to push boundaries and redefine the gaming landscape, the journey promises to be as exhilarating as the game itself.