Blue Scarab Entertainment, a newly established studio based in Stockholm, made a significant debut today with the announcement of its $7 million seed funding round. Led by CEO Colin Cragg and CTO Enno Rehling, the studio revealed plans for its inaugural project: a story-driven MMORPG that promises to merge cozy escapism with elements of horseback riding and true crime.
The funding round was spearheaded by NetEase Games and Behold Ventures, with participation from notable industry figures like Jonas Antonsson of Raw Fury, Ólafur Andri Ragnarsson of Betware, and Stefan Lindeberg of Creandum. Cragg expressed gratitude for NetEase’s support, emphasizing their commitment to creative freedom and providing the necessary resources to realize Blue Scarab’s vision.
Described as an original IP, the MMORPG aims to blend serene exploration on horseback with a compelling dark mystery narrative. The studio boasts a seasoned team drawn from diverse backgrounds, including veterans of acclaimed titles such as Helldivers 2, Star Stable Online, World of Warcraft, Battlefield, and Age of Conan.
Craig Morrison, formerly associated with Blizzard, DICE, and Funcom, has joined as studio director, underscoring the studio’s ambition to innovate within established genres.
Morrison highlighted the studio’s focus on expanding gaming experiences to encompass broader audiences, leveraging accumulated expertise to create fresh, genre-defying gameplay. He emphasized the power of innovation through iteration, suggesting that the merging of diverse gaming and media influences could yield compelling new experiences for players.
Blue Scarab Entertainment is determined to disrupt genre norms and leverage its team’s extensive expertise to create immersive and unconventional gaming experiences. With strong financial backing and a seasoned roster, the studio is poised to push boundaries and redefine player expectations for MMORPGs moving forward.