Azra Games, a Sacramento-based video game developer, has secured $42.7 million in Series A funding to accelerate the development of its debut game, Project Legends, a mobile role-playing game (RPG) that promises console-quality experiences on mobile devices. Led by Pantera Capital, the investment round included participation from Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and NFX, bringing the company’s total funding to $68.3 million.
Founded in 2022 by industry veteran Mark Otero, Azra Games is poised to spearhead a new era in mobile RPGs, focusing on immersive gameplay, dynamic combat, and compelling storytelling. Otero, known for his work on Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, aims to define what he calls the "fourth generation of mobile RPGs," featuring open-world environments, real-time battles, and cinematic experiences typically seen in console and PC games.
“Our approach has always been to build a great game first, and then integrate blockchain and NFTs to enhance the player experience,” said Otero. Project Legends is expected to channel the gritty, mature aesthetics of 1970s fantasy art, drawing inspiration from iconic artists such as Frank Frazetta and Boris Vallejo. Targeting a Western audience, it stands in contrast to the anime-dominated landscape of current mobile RPGs.
The funding will not only support the development of Project Legends, but also fuel Azra Games' global expansion, enabling the hiring of world-class talent and bolstering its research and development division, Azra Labs. Additionally, the investment reinforces investor confidence in the company’s vision to blend traditional free-to-play mechanics with the possibilities of blockchain technology, creating a hybrid of Web2 and Web3 gameplay.
“This is a significant step forward in building the future of mobile RPGs,” said Pantera Capital's Franklin Bi. “Mark Otero has a proven track record of creating billion-dollar gaming franchises, and we are excited to see Azra Games redefine the mobile RPG landscape.”
Project Legends is set for release in the third quarter of 2025, with plans to launch on mobile first, followed by expansions to PC and console.
