Thousands and Wildcard Alliance raise $9 million, led by Arbitrum Gaming Ventures and Paradigm, to support development of a web3 gaming platform and creator-focused marketing protocol.
Thousands and its sister company, Wildcard Alliance, have announced a joint $9 million fundraising round aimed at accelerating the development of their integrated web3 ecosystem. The round is co-led by Arbitrum Gaming Ventures and Paradigm, with $6.5 million already secured and the remaining funding expected to close within the next 60 days. Based in McKinney, Texas, the companies are led by co-CEOs Paul and Katy Drake Bettner, who are known for their previous work on Words With Friends, Lucky’s Tale, and Age of Empires.
This new round follows a $46 million Series A raised in 2022 and is focused on expanding both the game Wildcard and the Thousands protocol. The companies are developing a system that links blockchain-based gameplay with a marketing infrastructure centered on creator-driven user acquisition.
Thousands and Wildcard Alliance Secure $9M
Wildcard is a third-person, 2v2 Collectible Card Action Game (CCAG) that combines real-time combat with strategic deck-building. Players take on the role of champions, summoning creatures from their decks to assist in battle while using timing and skill to outmaneuver opponents in live arenas. The game introduces mechanics aimed at enhancing spectator engagement and in-game participation, aligning closely with the broader ecosystem developed by Thousands.
The game is currently in its Alpha testing phase with a community of over 100,000 members. It has been approved for release on Steam, and weekly Alpha builds are being tested publicly. These playtests are broadcast on Thousands.tv, the streaming platform integrated with the Thousands protocol, allowing users to participate in a web-native, interactive viewing experience. The game is expected to enter Early Access later this year.
Thousands and Wildcard Alliance Secure $9M
The Thousands protocol is a web3 infrastructure designed to transform word-of-mouth marketing into a transparent, programmable, and incentive-based system. It provides creators and communities with the ability to earn revenue directly when their content results in user conversions, while offering intellectual property holders a more cost-effective alternative to traditional customer acquisition strategies.
In May 2025, the Thousands network generated over $800,000 in revenue. The platform recorded an average revenue of $50,000 per stream and a viewer-to-payer conversion rate of 77 percent. The highest single-stream revenue reached $134,000 during the same period. These figures point to significant engagement and monetization capabilities that exceed typical industry performance benchmarks. Average revenue per viewer stood at $141, underlining the potential of this model in both gaming and creator ecosystems.
In an interview with GamesBeat, Co-CEO Paul Bettner said the goal is to align creator success with game success. He stated that Wildcard will only succeed if its creators and community succeed, and that Thousands provides the on-chain infrastructure needed to track and reward user engagement across the entire funnel.
Thousands and Wildcard Alliance Secure $9M
Arbitrum Gaming Ventures and Paradigm, which co-led the funding round, expressed strong confidence in the direction of the platform. Rick Johanson, founding partner at Arbitrum Gaming Ventures, highlighted that Thousands is redefining how games and content reach audiences through a web-native streaming layer that turns spectators into participants in an on-chain economy.
Dave White, research partner at Paradigm, remarked on the strength of the development team and the potential of the upcoming game, describing Wildcard as one of the most anticipated crypto games currently in development. The companies currently employ 30 full-time staff and work with around 30 additional contractors to support ongoing development efforts.
Thousands and Wildcard Alliance Secure $9M
Thousands.tv differs from traditional streaming services by enabling interactive experiences where viewers are no longer passive observers. Instead, the platform integrates blockchain functionality to allow users to engage and earn from their participation. Content creator and WolvesDAO founder Payton Kaleiwahea noted that the platform transforms the traditional streaming model by making the viewer an active participant rather than a detached audience member.
The platform's approach reflects a broader movement in web3 gaming toward systems that reward engagement and community contribution. By combining gameplay, creator tools, and blockchain-based attribution, Thousands and Wildcard Alliance are working to build a more connected and equitable digital ecosystem.
With the additional funding, Thousands and Wildcard Alliance plan to continue development on both their marketing infrastructure and their web3-enabled game. The upcoming release of Wildcard on Steam and its continued Alpha testing are key steps in their rollout strategy. Meanwhile, the Thousands network will remain central to driving engagement and offering creators new ways to participate in the value they help generate.
The companies aim to demonstrate that with the right tools, content creators and communities can play an active role in the success of digital platforms—not only through promotion, but through measurable, rewarded contributions tracked transparently on-chain.
About the author
Eliza Crichton-Stuart
Head of Operations
Updated:
June 19th 2025
Posted:
June 19th 2025