Your Favorite Gaming Newsletter!

Kitsune Ventures Ep. 13

Author

Nicolas Ivanovic
April 07, 2025

Hey there!

It’s that time again! Another week, another fresh batch of handpicked gaming startups ready to shake up the industry. Whether you’re looking for the next breakout studio or innovative gaming tech, we’ve got you covered!

So grab your coffee (or energy drink 🏆), and let’s dive into this week’s top gaming startups! 🎮👇

PS. If you like the content, please consider sharing it with your network! It would help us out a lot :)

Opti Games

Overview

Opti Games is all about making games that leave you smiling. Founded by former Riot, Blizzard, and indie devs, the studio calls their approach “Golden Retriever Games,” multiplayer experiences built to be competitive, but also joyful and uplifting.

Their debut title, Sparkball, is a 4v4 sport brawler that mixes the energy of League of Legends, FIFA, and Rocket League into one fast-paced, strategic mashup. The game has already pulled in over 5,000 players in early access and earned a 4.8/5 rating for fun, with support from major esports orgs like Fnatic, G2, and Cloud9.

They recently closed a $2M seed round to fuel Sparkball’s 2025 launch, backed by L1D, CMS Holdings, Yield Guild Games, and more. With a veteran team and a big vision, Opti is building a game that feels as good as it plays.

Founded: 2023

Location: United States

Mod Retro

Overview

ModRetro is bringing back the magic of classic gaming with a modern twist. The company is dedicated to crafting high-quality, retro-inspired electronic devices that evoke nostalgia while incorporating contemporary enhancements.

Their flagship product, the Chromatic, is a tribute to the original Game Boy, offering pixel-perfect compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges. Built with a custom IPS display, sapphire screen cover, and a magnesium shell, it delivers a vintage look with modern durability. It's already gaining traction among retro fans and curious newcomers alike.

To support growing demand, ModRetro partnered with SEACOMP to set up manufacturing in Mexico, ensuring quality and scalability. With $19.1 million raised, the team is just getting started on its mission to preserve the feel of old-school gaming with the polish of today.

Founded: 2024

Location: United States

Red Rover Interactive

Overview

Red Rover Interactive is a game development studio with teams in Oslo, Norway, and Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Led by industry veterans from studios like Funcom, Bohemia Interactive, Lockwood Publishing, and Ubisoft, they’re focused on building fresh multiplayer experiences that lean into social gameplay and player-driven content.

Their first title, Project Coltrane, is a bold take on the survival genre—fast-paced, replayable PvP set in a post-apocalyptic train world. It’s already turning heads, securing €14 million in Series A funding from KRAFTON, Tirta Ventures, Overwolf, The Games Fund, and others.

Founded: 2023

Location: Norway

Integrated Reality Labs

Overview

Integrated Reality Labs (IRL) is redefining real-world gaming by blending classic outdoor games with modern mobile technology. Their flagship app, SLAP, transforms traditional games like Assassin into massive multiplayer experiences, allowing players to engage in dynamic, real-life competitions anytime, anywhere.

The SLAP app uses GPS tracking to help players locate and interact with targets in real time, turning the world around them into a live game map. It also allows for fully customizable gameplay, so players can tweak rules and objectives to fit their style or group size. Communication is built right into the app too, with integrated chat that makes strategizing with friends or sharing in the fun quick and easy.

By combining geolocation, Bluetooth, and device sensors, IRL's patent-pending Integrated Reality Technology Platform creates seamless, immersive experiences that encourage physical activity and social connection. Their mission is to bring people together through the power of playful tech, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds.

Founded: 2023

Location: United States

ForthStar

Overview

ForthStar Games is a new studio from the creators of the hit mobile title Golf Clash, aiming to raise the bar for what free-to-play games can be. Led by Paul Gouge and Alex Rigby, the team is focused on building original games that are fun, accessible, and built for global audiences.

Backed by $10 million from Griffin Gaming Partners, they’re not just chasing trends, they’re creating a space where small, talented teams can experiment and build games that stand out. Their first title is set to launch in 2025, and expectations are already high.

ForthStar also takes team culture seriously, championing a four-day workweek and a no-crunch policy that supports long-term creativity. It’s a modern studio with bold ideas and the experience to bring them to life.

Founded: 2023

Location: United Kingdom

Final Boss Sour

Overview

Final Boss Sour is redefining the sour candy experience by combining real fruit with an intense sour kick. Their innovative approach involves coating dried fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries with varying levels of sourness, ranging from Level 1 to the formidable "Final Boss" level. This unique concept not only delivers a mouth-puckering punch but also offers a healthier alternative to traditional candies, as the products are made from natural ingredients without artificial additives. ​

The company's creative marketing strategies have propelled them to significant social media success, amassing over 200,000 YouTube subscribers and achieving $1 million in sales on TikTok Shop within just a few months. This rapid growth underscores the brand's resonance with consumers seeking both novelty and nostalgia in their snacking choices. ​

By gamifying the sour candy experience and emphasizing authentic flavors, Final Boss Sour has carved out a distinctive niche in the confectionery market, appealing to both adventurous eaters and health-conscious consumers alike. ​

Founded: 2023

Location: United States

MixRift

Overview

MixRift is a Dublin-based gaming studio that's making waves in the mixed reality (MR) space by creating immersive and accessible games for platforms like Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro. Founded by industry veterans Bobby Voicu, David Pripas, and Andrei Vaduva, the team brings a wealth of experience from previous ventures in mobile and social gaming.

In August 2024, MixRift secured $1.6 million in pre-seed funding from investors including Outsized Ventures, Underline Ventures, and SOSV. This funding has accelerated their mission to develop MR titles that are easy to pick up yet deeply immersive. ​

Their portfolio includes titles like Fractured, a 3D puzzle game available on both Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro, and Hell Horde, a survival game that transforms your surroundings into a battleground against waves of undead. These games exemplify MixRift's commitment to blending the virtual and physical worlds seamlessly. ​

Founded: 2023

Location: Ireland

HYVE Labs

Overview

Hyve Labs is building a new kind of Web3 gaming experience, one that lives inside the social platforms people already use. With Hyve, players can jump into games directly through apps like Telegram, Discord, and Farcaster—no downloads, no installs, just tap and play.

Backed by a $2.75M pre-seed round led by Framework Ventures, the team is creating a decentralized gaming rollup that makes it easier for developers to launch and scale games, while keeping things fun and frictionless for players.

What makes Hyve stand out is its belief that Web3 gaming doesn’t need to feel complex or niche. By blending crypto, social media, and casual gameplay, they’re crafting a platform that’s as accessible as it is ambitious.

Founded: 2024

Location: United States

PHȲND

Overview

Phynd is building an AI-powered game discovery engine that helps players find the games they’ll actually love—without the usual scroll-and-guess fatigue. Instead of endlessly browsing stores or relying on random recommendations, Phynd delivers personalized suggestions based on your tastes, habits, and what’s trending in the community.

It’s like a smart concierge for your gaming library, helping you cut through the noise and get straight to the good stuff. Whether you're deep into roguelikes or on the hunt for your next cozy sim, Phynd makes sure you find it faster—and smarter.

Still early in its journey, Phynd is focused on building a platform where discovery feels exciting, not overwhelming. One that empowers both players and developers to connect in more meaningful ways.

Founded: 2023

Location: United States

Methodical Games

Overview

Methodical Games is a Raleigh-based independent studio led by veterans from Epic, Respawn, and Infinity Ward—developers who helped shape hits like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty. Now, they’re using that experience to build something entirely new: an original multiplayer action-adventure IP with rich combat and fantastical worldbuilding.

Their games focus on tight, close-quarters gameplay wrapped in immersive environments that feel both polished and personal. With $15M in seed funding from Lightspeed, Bitkraft, 1Up, and others, Methodical is going all-in on building a deeply engaging, high-quality multiplayer experience.

Founded: 2022

Location: United States

That’s a wrap for this week’s edition! 🎮🚀

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Until next time, keep leveling up! 🎮✨