SpatialOS Developer Improbable Raises $502 Million In Funding
The British software studio Improbable has raised $502 million in funding through a Series B financing round led by SoftBank.
The young tech firm's core product is the game engine SpatialOS which promises to make it easier for game studios to scale persistent worlds with cloud-based server distribution. What's striking is how bullish the CEO Herman Narula is on the future of large-scale virtual worlds:
"This investment reflects the potential size and importance of the market for this next generation of games and, ultimately, how massive-scale virtual worlds could become fundamental to how society works. SoftBank is a perfect partner for us, with many complementary investments in their portfolio. This investment will allow us to take the big, bold steps needed to fully realise our vision."
Improbable's Featured Games page currently lists 10 games using SpatialOS with the most well known one being Worlds Adrift. Crowdfunded MMORPG Chronicles of Elyria is also featured.
Softbank is known for its bold investment decisions, but the price still seems steep to me. They've clearly seen more than we have. No major game using SpatialOS has yet been released. Softbank has plenty of experience investing in the gaming sector and I can't wait to see what fruit this deal bares.
The studio previously raised funding in a Series A round which totaled $55 million. Investors included Andreessen Horowitz, Horizons Ventures, and Temasek.
