NPC Labs, a GameFi infrastructure startup founded by former Coinbase employees, has secured $21 million in funding to accelerate the development of gaming projects on Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network.
Key Investors and Funding Details
The funding round was led by Pantera Capital, a prominent cryptocurrency-focused venture capital firm, which contributed $18 million. Additional investments came from Makers Fund, Hashed, Mirana Ventures, and several other backers, as reported by VentureBeat and shared on NPC’s official channels.
Empowering Game Developers
NPC Labs aims to empower game developers by providing them with greater control over their projects. CEO Daryl Xu emphasized that traditional gaming ecosystems often require developers to rely heavily on publishers for support, marketing, and distribution, while sacrificing a significant portion of their earnings. NPC Labs seeks to change this paradigm by returning control to developers and gamers alike.
Focus on Blockchain Integration
NPC Labs will play a pivotal role in the development of B3, a layer 3 blockchain designed specifically for GameFi applications on Base. This infrastructure will handle transactions, manage gas fees, and facilitate the transfer of in-game assets, thereby allowing developers to focus more on creating engaging gameplay experiences.
Strategic Choice of Base
Viktoriya Hying, NPC Labs’ Chief Operating Officer and a former Coinbase executive, highlighted Base’s strategic advantages despite entering the Ethereum layer-2 space relatively late. She noted Base’s strong potential to integrate seamlessly with Coinbase’s extensive user base of 100 million, making it easier for mainstream adoption of blockchain gaming.
Vision for B3 and Beyond
B3, built atop Base, supports Ethereum and other Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible blockchains. This versatility positions it to cater to a wide range of developers looking to leverage blockchain technology for innovative gaming experiences.
NPC Labs’ substantial funding round underscores growing interest and investment in GameFi, where blockchain technology promises to revolutionize gaming ecosystems. By leveraging Base and developing B3, NPC Labs aims to simplify the integration of blockchain into gaming while empowering developers with greater control and profitability. As the project progresses, NPC Labs anticipates bridging the gap between traditional gaming and blockchain technology, creating opportunities for developers and gamers worldwide.