In a strategic move to strengthen its position in web3 gaming, Animoca Brands has acquired Azarus, a blockchain-based game streaming platform. The deal's financial terms weren't disclosed, but the acquisition positions both companies to expand their reach in interactive streaming.
Animoca Brands has been building its web3 gaming portfolio aggressively, and this acquisition represents another step in that direction. The company had backed Azarus with an earlier investment before moving to full acquisition.
The acquisition of Azarus was a natural business decision that attests to our belief in the transformative power of web3 technology. Azarus evokes the early days of The Sandbox, with that same energy and upside that makes it such an attractive proposition. Together, we look forward to redefining the streaming landscape, making it more interactive, rewarding, and aligned with the open metaverse.
Azarus launched in 2018 with a focus on making streams more interactive through its Overlay Games technology. The platform lets streamers embed advertising and games directly into their video streams.
The company built its reputation on a video stream wallet and overlay games that sit on top of the video player, creating immediate engagement opportunities. This approach has attracted major brands and streamers, resulting in over $2 million in rewards distributed to more than 20 million unique players.
The acquisition opens new possibilities for creators to guide their audiences into metaverse experiences. Event organizers gain additional tools for rewarding fan participation. Kleiner Perkins and Galaxy Digital are among Azarus's other backers.
Azarus's technology can drive viewers to external destinations like brand websites, e-commerce platforms, and both web2 and web3 games while maintaining engagement. The platform operates as a decentralized streaming service where users broadcast gameplay and connect with viewers. Blockchain-based tokens power its rewards and incentive systems.
