Stoke Games Lands $5.5M to Innovate Strategic Shooter Genre

In a groundbreaking move for the gaming industry, Stoke Games, a newly established all-remote indie studio, has raised an impressive $5.5 million in funding for its debut title—an innovative strategic shooter that promises to redefine the competitive PvP experience.

Led by industry veterans Veigar Bouius and Jon Diesta, Stoke Games is set to shake up the gaming landscape with its unique take on the shooter genre. With a combined experience spanning decades and contributions to iconic titles such as League of Legends, Hogwarts Legacy, MultiVersus, and Disney Infinity, Bouius and Diesta bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their latest venture.

The studio’s debut release emphasizes strategy and deliberate action over reflex-based gameplay, setting it apart from the fast-paced shooters dominating the market. This refreshing approach has garnered widespread attention, attracting significant investment from prominent backers.

BITKRAFT Ventures, a leading venture capital firm specializing in gaming and esports, spearheaded the funding round, with participation from Riot Games, the powerhouse behind League of Legends and VALORANT. Additionally, industry fund 1Up Ventures and a group of undisclosed angel investors have expressed their confidence in Stoke Games’ vision for the future of gaming.

The infusion of capital will enable Stoke Games to accelerate the development of its inaugural title and engage with early community members through extensive playtesting sessions. With plans for expansion throughout 2024, the studio aims to leverage community feedback to refine its game and deliver an unparalleled gaming experience.

Despite being a nascent player in the industry, Stoke Games has already attracted top talent from renowned gaming companies such as Riot, Blizzard, Respawn, Epic Games, Bungie, and Phoenix Labs. This diverse team of industry veterans brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the table, positioning Stoke Games for success in the competitive gaming market.

Stoke Games is committed to fostering a community-driven development process, with regular updates, cross-platform play, and fair monetization practices at the forefront of its strategy. By prioritizing player feedback and focusing on gameplay mechanics, the studio aims to create an immersive gaming experience that resonates with both casual and hardcore gamers alike.

Veigar Bouius, co-founder of Stoke Games, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We’re building an experience that will feel very fresh for players coming from more traditional shooters. It’s a slower-tempo game that emphasizes judgment, game knowledge, and strategy, hence why we’re calling it a strategic shooter.”

Jasper Brand, partner at BITKRAFT Ventures, lauded Stoke Games’ innovative approach, noting, “The team at Stoke Games deeply understands dormant genre opportunities and executing on IP potential, creating some of the most successful multiplayer games of the last decade.”

As Stoke Games embarks on its journey to redefine the strategic shooter genre, anticipation among gamers and investors alike continues to grow. With a talented team, substantial funding, and a clear vision for the future, Stoke Games is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming industry and capture the hearts of players worldwide.