Autoverse Studios, a Los Angeles-based company, has raised $8 million to further develop its innovative social drag-racing game, Auto Legends. The funding round, led by White Star Capital, will help complete the game, which aims to merge traditional free-to-play gaming with web3 ownership and trade mechanics, appealing to both hardcore car enthusiasts and casual gamers.
New Era in Racing Games
Auto Legends pushes beyond typical racing games by letting players carve out their own automotive careers. Race, collect cars, own teams, host tournaments, tune vehicles for others, or run dealerships. The game's ecosystem mirrors the real journey of car culture, giving players multiple ways to build their reputation and legacy.
Currently in closed alpha testing on the Epic Games Store for PC and Mac, the game will expand to iOS and Android. Players looking for deeper engagement can access web3 features through the web version, adding ownership and trading layers to the experience.
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The Team Behind the Game
Autoverse Studios is led by Justin Choice, executive chairman and former founder of Cie Games, the studio behind Car Town and Racing Rivals. He's reunited with ex-teammates and industry veterans from Glu Mobile, Riot Games, Xbox, EA, Ubisoft, and Scopely. The team's previous projects have reached 140 million players combined, with several games hitting No. 1 in their categories.
Peter Pham serves as CEO, while Dinko Tontchev heads product and tech. The team has backing from industry veterans and car world figures including Horacio Pagani and Miller Motorcars, signaling serious ambition to build a lasting auto franchise.
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The Vision for Auto Legends
Auto Legends isn't just about winning races; it's about building clout. Master tuning, dominate the strip, host popular events, or simply rack up followers. The game leans heavily into social features like car meets, tournaments, and a popularity system that tracks your influence in the community. It's designed as a social network for gearheads as much as a racing game.
The roster includes seven licensed car brands representing over 50 models and trims, with new vehicles added regularly based on community feedback. Each car supports realistic aftermarket parts, letting players express their style and mechanical knowledge through customization.
Auto Legends Gameplay
Web3 Integration and Player Ownership
Auto Legends remains free-to-play but offers optional web3 features for ownership and trading of in-game assets. Blockchain tech enables secure transactions and lets players potentially monetize their activities, something most racing games don't support.
Web3 mechanics include pink-slip racing, where you can wager your car in high-stakes matches. The creator economy lets players design and sell custom parts, turning skilled builders into in-game entrepreneurs.
Gameplay Screenshot
Looking Ahead
Autoverse Studios plans to showcase Auto Legends at Gamescom and the aftermarket car show in Las Vegas. The company has teased real-world collaborations where top players could earn recognition from car manufacturers and access to exclusive opportunities like private museum tours.
The game blends traditional racing mechanics with web3 ownership to create something different in the genre. As development continues, Autoverse Studios is focused on delivering an experience that redefines what it means to be a car enthusiast in a digital space.
