Pasadena-Based Gunslinger Studios Gets $1.4 million in Funding for New Mobile Game

Gunslinger Studios has raised $1.4 million to create 60-second multiplayer games for mobile devices. Its first game is called Exiles of Embermark, VentureBeat reports.

The fantasy warrior-dueling title is reportedly a new kind of game that can be played quickly. A player equips his warrior and goes into a multiplayer duel with another human-controlled warrior. Each player takes a turn attacking or defending until only one warrior is left standing. Players can make all moves using one hand and can finish the game in a minute, VentureBeat says.

Gunslinger spins out of Industrial Toys, headed by Halo co-creator Alex Seropian. All eight of Gunslinger’s employees came from Industrial Toys, says cofounder and CEO Tim Harris.

“We got interest in the game, and we realized that we had something,” Harris tells GamesBeat. “We can give you the scratch of an itch of a grindy character, one minute at a time.”

The company split itself in two to focus on the new kind of game. Industrial Toys will remain focused on hardcore shooters, while Gunslinger will make mid-core games – hardcore titles that can be played in very short sessions, Harris said.

Investors include Chicago Ventures, Math Ventures, Listen Ventures, Third Wave Digital, and gaming industry angels that include Gregory Milken, Chris Williams, and Rob Goldberg.

Harris said the company was able to raise money because it is building a platform for multiplayer games, e-sports, and live narratives that is directed by the actions of players. VentureBeat says investors include Chicago Ventures, Math Ventures, Listen Ventures, Third Wave Digital, and gaming industry angels that include Gregory Milken, Chris Williams, and Rob Goldberg.

Gameplay on Exiles of Embermark is deceptively simple — anyone can pick the title up and play, but the combination of gear loadouts and moves creates a lot of depth and strategy. Fast-paced gameplay will hopefully lead to e-sports spectatorship where events like 64-team bracket tournaments can be completed in 15 minutes, VentureBeat says.

Exiles of Embermark is approaching beta testing and should be available in the summer of 2017.

For more information about Gunslinger and Exiles of Embermark, visit www.gunslingerstudios.com.