<p>Free-to-play classic browser game Neopets announces that it is set to foray into the Web3 (metaverse) ecosystem. In line with this, the world-renowned browser pet game has raised an estimated $4 million in a recent funding round. Interestingly, top players in the blockchain gaming and GameFi ecosystem, such as Polygon Ventures, IDG Capital, etc., took part in the funding round.&nbsp;</p><p>According to reports, the money raised will be directed at facilitating the smooth introduction of Neopets browser gaming to the metaverse. This is exciting news for blockchain gaming enthusiasts as well as lovers of the Neopets game. The launch signifies the introduction of exciting new features and experiences for Neopet’s estimated 150 million gamers worldwide.&nbsp;</p><p>Launched in 1999, Neopets is one of the world’s renowned classic browser pet games available today. The move to launch the metaverse version of the game is definitely in line with current trends.</p><div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">🐾 Gm all Neopians! 🐾<br><br>The classic browser game we all know and love, Neopets, is officially coming to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/metaverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#metaverse</a> as <a href="https://twitter.com/NeopetsMeta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NeopetsMeta</a> 😍<br><br>Leaders in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GameFi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GameFi</a>, including <a href="https://twitter.com/0xPolygon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@0xPolygon</a> Ventures, have contributed to $3.8M in funding.<br><br>Know more:<a href="https://t.co/lWQInjGOCR">https://t.co/lWQInjGOCR</a> <a href="https://t.co/234DinZDTV">pic.twitter.com/234DinZDTV</a></p>— Polygon Gaming (@PolygonGaming) <a href="https://twitter.com/PolygonGaming/status/1616082741313024000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><h2><strong>Interesting Facts About the Fundraising Event</strong></h2><p>According to the <a href="https://neopetsmetaverse.medium.com/neopets-metaverse-important-fundraising-announcement-8b4a0bf7f3ab">report</a>, several top blockchain gaming and Web3 leaders took part in the funding round. Top Web3 players like Polygon Ventures, HashKey Capital, Blizzard Avalanche Ecosystem Fund, NetDragon Websoft, etc. The estimated $4 million raised will help facilitate Neopets' entry into the metaverse.</p><div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">1/3 🎉We are thrilled to announce the successful closing of our latest investment round🎉 <br><br>We received $4M in funding led by industry leaders and tech VCs <a href="https://twitter.com/0xPolygon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@0xPolygon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BlizzardFund?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlizzardFund</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HashKey_Capital?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HashKey_Capital</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IDGCapital?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDGCapital</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NetDragon777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NetDragon777</a>!<br><br>Full announcement: <a href="https://t.co/Bij7u8wREC">https://t.co/Bij7u8wREC</a> <a href="https://t.co/sDBcgXnQtV">pic.twitter.com/sDBcgXnQtV</a></p>— Neopets Metaverse | #SnowinginNeopia❄️ (@NeopetsMeta) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeopetsMeta/status/1616080636967780352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>Speaking on the announcement, Neopets’ Chief Metaverse Officer, Dominic, expressed gratitude for the support the entire project has received from investors. He also revealed that the fund will make the vision of the Neopets Metaverse launch a reality.</p><p>Ava Labs’ Gaming Head, Ed Chang, also revealed that the firm was excited by the opportunity to invest in this classic game. In his own words, he said that Ava Labs is “[...] beyond excited to helping a timeless IP like Neopets innovate and build their Metaverse.” Also, adding that the investment will help Neopets fulfill its vision of creating an “[...] eco-friendly, fast, and low gas metaverse experience.”</p><p>Xiao Xiao, from HashKey Capital, also spoke highly of the investment move on Neopets. Disclosing that the launch will positively affect the GameFi sphere, which currently plays a major role in the Web3 ecosystems. Xiao Xiao also mentioned that the Neopets huge fanbase also provides a reliable environment to explore the true potential of both its NFT and play-to-earn (P2E) features. Xiao also added that the entire HashKey Capital ecosystem is thrilled by the “[...] opportunity to work with founders like Dominic who can always execute and deliver."</p><h2><strong>Neopets Metaverse</strong></h2><p>Neopets Metaverse is the Web3 version of the Neopets browser game. The game incorporates both free-to-play and play-to-earn features and will be based on the original classic Neopets browser game.</p><p>Prior to this announcement, the game successfully launched its Neopets Alpha “Winter Edition,” featuring both the Terror Mountain Lands and Neopia Central. The launch received immense support from Neopets lovers worldwide; hence, the move to launch Neopets Metaverse. The Alpha: Winter Edition will be available to interested gamers until January 31, 2023.</p><p>In conclusion, the launch of Neopets Metaverse is a major milestone for Neopets, its investors, and the entire blockchain gaming ecosystem. Thanks to Neopets' estimated 150 million fan base, we expect to see a major influx of gamers into the blockchain gaming sphere.&nbsp;</p>

Neopets Classic Game Coming to Web3

SuiNS Partners With Sugar Kingdom

The Sandbox| mm2| Metaviva Partnership