Raini Studios, the creative force behind the digital trading card game "Raini: The Lords of Light," has undergone a change in ownership. In a recent announcement, it was revealed that crypto infrastructure firm Ceden and the NFT collection studio Kanpai Pandas have jointly acquired Raini Studios, forming a new entity named RJV International DBA Raini Studios.
Token Consolidation and Move to Avalanche Beam
The studio's token, RST, consolidates the previous RAINI and PHOTON tokens and is now hosted on the Avalanche subnet Beam, a gaming network. The deployment of the token took place in late November, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Raini Studios.
Collaborative Game Development
Collaborating under the new venture, the three teams have commenced work on an undisclosed combat game utilizing one of the world's largest combat game intellectual properties (IP). While the specific IP remains undisclosed, more details are promised to be revealed shortly, according to Ceden co-founder Michael Haller.
Team Integration and Leadership
Raini Lead Designer Marty Burgess has transitioned to the expanded studio, ensuring the continuity of the Raini team post-acquisition. Ceden CEO Alex Moody will oversee the newly formed studio, with Haller taking on the role of Head of Gaming and leading the development of the unannounced combat game.
Positive Reception and Ecosystem Expansion
Describing the acquisition as an "incredible opportunity," Burgess expressed confidence in maintaining the Raini team's unity. Ceden CEO Moody emphasized the additive nature of the news, referring to it as "Raini Studios plus."
The Lords of Light game, known for its complexity, is currently listed on the Epic Games Store. Raini's crypto ecosystem, historically multi-chain, is now leaning further into the Avalanche ecosystem with RST token integration. Cross-chain compatibility initiatives are also underway, including a LayerZero integration for existing Raini tokens.
Market Challenges and Audience Expansion: While Lords of Light enjoys a presence on the Epic Games Store, the broader challenge for Raini lies in appealing to audiences beyond the crypto sphere. However, the integration of blockchain games into traditional game launchers may face hurdles, especially as the crypto gaming landscape evolves.
Raini Studios' acquisition and subsequent collaboration with Ceden and Kanpai Pandas mark a strategic move towards expanding its gaming portfolio. The consolidation of tokens and focus on cross-chain compatibility indicate a commitment to adapting to the evolving crypto landscape. However, the broader integration of blockchain games into traditional platforms poses challenges for the studio.