6 gaming and VR startups coming to Web Summit Lisbon

From post-apocalyptic worlds to virtual training simulations, startups are showcasing innovative gaming and VR tech at Web Summit Lisbon 2023.

With 2,200-plus startups joining us in Lisbon this November, we’re representing every sector imaginable. We’re excited to witness what’s happening in the worlds of gaming and virtual reality.

Here are six promising startups across gaming and VR – some of which blend both tech verticals:

Eden Arcade

Eden: Discovery is an ambitious effort to blend gaming, VR and blockchain technology. Created in 2022 by a team of veteran gamers in the Netherlands, Eden aims to be the first exfil shooter metaverse – a multiplayer VR experience centred around survival and combat.

This post-apocalyptic VR game, set 50 years after an extinction-level event on Earth, is centred on realistic weapons, environments and gameplay mechanics to fully immerse players. The team behind the game consulted with military experts to ensure authenticity.

Shooting aside, Eden features a fully realised city and wasteland for players to explore and build on. By integrating blockchain technology, players can collect items and purchase digital real estate.

Volt Games

Volt Games is a fast-growing startup in the mobile gaming industry. Founded in Lisbon in January 2020 by four friends, Volt Games has experienced impressive growth in just three years of operation. The team has expanded from four to ten members and has launched several popular game titles for iOS and Android devices.

Volt Games started out developing hypercasual games – simple, addictive games that are easy to pick up and play. Its titles Football Clash and Perfect Fighter have succeeded by focusing on quality gameplay paired with bright and engaging graphics.

As the studio has grown, so has the complexity of its games. The latest release, Agent Volt, is a first-person shooter that represents a move into more hardcore gaming markets while still maintaining accessibility.

It’s Up To You

It’s Up To You is using virtual reality technology in a new, impactful way to promote inclusion and diversity within organisations. Based in the Netherlands, this startup has developed an interactive VR training simulation that exposes employees to workplace diversity situations, and encourages understanding and empathy.

The training includes an immersive VR film where participants roleplay as a manager navigating various workplace diversity challenges.

With over 80 different story paths, employees can experiment with different approaches and consequences. This is followed by workshops that guide employees to reflect, build awareness of unconscious biases and collectively establish diversity policies.

FireFog Games

Firefog is an emerging mobile games developer based in Ukraine. The company’s debut title, Time Master: Coin & Clash Game, is a slot machine style game that takes players on a journey across vivid islands and different locations.

With gameplay focused on spinning slot reels to collect gold coins, Time Master leverages bright cartoon-like graphics and an adventure theme to create an engaging and casual gaming experience.

Virtus Tech

Virtus Tech is a UK-based startup blending virtual reality with training and education. Founded in 2018, Virtus Tech has developed an immersive learning platform aimed at changing how employees, students and other learners gain skills and knowledge.

At the core of its offering are highly realistic VR training simulations. Using VR headsets, learners are immersed in 360-degree environments where they must analyse information and make decisions similar to those they would face at work. This experiential learning helps cement knowledge and skills in a risk-free setting.

Powering this technology is Virtus Tech’s innovative DIGI data software. This dashboard provides real-time analytics on learner performance, allowing organisations to identify knowledge gaps and refine training programmes.

Tokenwised

Tokenwised is a Lisbon-based startup bringing blockchain technology to gaming.

The company’s flagship project, Pirates 2048, exemplifies this approach. Pirates 2048 is a multiplayer battle arena game where players control pirate ships, collect treasures and earn points and crypto rewards.

By integrating blockchain features like cryptocurrency payouts and NFT collectables into a competitive game, Tokenwised is exploring new models for blockchain gaming. The game runs on Ethereum and Matic Network, demonstrating the company’s technical skills in utilising blockchain platforms.

Tokenwised is also the company behind Simracer Coin, which merges crypto with simulation racing games. Players can earn coins through competitive online racing and spend the coins on in-game items like cars, customisations and coaching lessons.

Tokenwised aims to build an environment where crypto becomes integral to enhancing the simulation racing experience.

Check out the full lineup of startups coming to Web Summit Lisbon 2023.

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