Blue Scarab Leisure, a new studio based in Stockholm, made its official debut today. The studio has successfully raised $7 million in seed funding, with CEO Colin Cragg and CTO Enno Rehling at the helm. The studio is also working on its inaugural game, a narrative-driven massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that seamlessly combines elements of relaxing escapism, horseback riding, and real-life crime mysteries.
NetEase and Behold Ventures spearheaded the seed funding round, alongside a diverse group of investors including Uncooked Fury founder Jonas Antonsson, Betware founder Ólafur Andri Ragnarsson, and Creandum founder Stefan Lindeberg. According to CEO Craig, NetEase’s support has enabled us to bring our ambitious vision to fruition. “We’re deeply thankful for their unwavering commitment to artistic liberty, professional mentorship, and diverse inspiration as we embark on this creative adventure.”
Within the studio’s latest MMORPG, a genuine intellectual property takes center stage, seamlessly marrying warm, inviting gameplay and exploratory excursions by horseback with a gripping, suspenseful narrative that delves into the shadows. The studio’s staff comprises individuals who previously worked on titles such as Helldivers 2, Star Stead Online, World of Warcraft, Battlefield, and Age of Conan, among other notable projects. Craig Morrison, a veteran in the gaming industry having previously led teams at Blizzard, DICE, and Funcom, has recently taken on the role of studio director. Different new hires embrace
As the video game industry continues to evolve and grow, Morrison noted that it has successfully attracted a broader range of consumers, embracing new demographics. By exploring the potential to integrate and innovate upon past gaming and media experiences, we can create a fresh and modern concept that resonates with this revitalized community. Innovative breakthroughs often arise from a culture of continuous iteration, where experimentation and learning inform subsequent developments. Our mission is to distill the collective expertise of our team into innovative experiences that reach an unprecedented audience. Let’s challenge conventional norms while still harnessing the collective strengths and knowledge of our team.