Edinburgh-based gaming studio, Build A Rocket Boy, founded by Leslie Benzies, has successfully raised over $110 million in a series D funding round. RedBird Capital Partners led the funding round, bringing their expertise in media and entertainment investments. Julia Wittlin, a partner at RedBird Capital, will also join Build A Rocket Boy’s board. The additional funding will support the development and release of three flagship products: the immersive open-world platform EVERYWHERE, the AAA game series MindsEye, and a suite of user-friendly UGC design tools known as ARCADIA.
EVERYWHERE, which began closed Alpha testing in late 2023, is a revolutionary multi-world game experience that blurs the line between reality and the digital realm. With limitless possibilities, EVERYWHERE allows players to assume any role and live without constraints. The platform prioritizes player engagement, offering both single-player and multiplayer gaming experiences, as well as cutting-edge UGC tools that aim to transform the video game creator economy.
MindsEye, on the other hand, is a highly anticipated AAA, story-driven game that tackles significant societal issues. Set during a pivotal moment in human development, the game explores themes such as growing inequality, the proliferation of artificial intelligence, the rise of military robots, and the impending climate crisis. Build A Rocket Boy has confirmed that EVERYWHERE and the first episode of MindsEye are on track to be launched soon.
In addition to these exciting projects, Build A Rocket Boy has introduced ARCADIA, a suite of user-friendly UGC design tools. While specific details about ARCADIA are limited, the company’s focus on empowering players and creators suggests that these tools will play a crucial role in shaping the future of game development.
Build A Rocket Boy is headquartered in Edinburgh, with two offices in Leith. The company also has a presence in Budapest, Hungary, and Montpelier, France, employing over 300 people. The series D funding round was led by RedBird Capital Partners, known for their investments in media, entertainment, sports, and experiential consumer ecosystems. Julia Wittlin, a partner at RedBird Capital, will bring valuable expertise in building successful entertainment and media platforms as she joins Build A Rocket Boy’s board. This strategic partnership is expected to be instrumental in realizing the studio’s vision of player-centric game creation and content sharing.
Existing and new investors, including Galaxy Interactive, NetEase Games, Endeavor, Alignment Growth, Woodline Partners LP, and GTAM Partners, also provided significant support in the funding round.
Leslie Benzies, the visionary behind Build A Rocket Boy, expressed excitement about collaborating with RedBird and the group of investors. He emphasized the studio’s commitment to allowing players to participate in game creation and shape the future of the gaming industry. Benzies stated, “We believe in a future where game creation is put in the hands of the players, and we will empower them with the tools to help shape this vision with us.”
RedBird Capital Partners also expressed their enthusiasm for partnering with Build A Rocket Boy and supporting the studio’s journey to become a genre-defining game studio and entertainment platform. Drawing from their extensive investment portfolio in media, entertainment, sports, and experiential consumer sectors, RedBird is well-positioned to provide unique insights into the convergence of the gaming industry with other forms of interactive entertainment.
