Hong Kong-based Animoca Brands has acquired Azarus, a blockchain-based game streaming platform, to enhance its streaming capabilities within Web3 games. The acquisition is part of Animoca Brands’ broader goal of harnessing Web3 technology to create a player-owned economy. The specific financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, but the move highlights Animoca Brands’ continuing commitment to solidify its position as a key player in the rapidly growing Web3 space

Azarus stands out with its decentralized streaming platform, which allows users to stream gameplay and interact with viewers while utilizing blockchain-based tokens to facilitate rewards and incentives. The platform first gained recognition in 2018 by pioneering the concept that game streams are interactive rather than passive television experiences. Azarus introduced Overlay Games, enabling streamers to overlay advertising and games on their streams. Since then, Azarus has gained acclaim for its video stream wallet and games that layer over the video player, resulting in instant audience engagement. Working with leading brands and streamers, Azarus has already distributed over $2 million worth of rewards to more than 20 million unique players. The platform’s technology unlocks new sources of revenue for gamers, allows viewers to support their favorite creators, and provides an opportunity for sponsors to reach their target audience measurably

With the integration of Azarus into their streams, creators will be incentivized to broadcast across the metaverse, taking their fans along as they explore digital realms. This move not only expands sponsorship opportunities for event hosts but also offers new avenues to reward fan engagement. Prominent investors in Azarus include Kleiner Perkins and Galaxy Digital, further highlighting the platform’s potential impact and value within the Web3 gaming industry

Yat Siu, executive chairman of Animoca Brands, said in a statement, “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

Alexander Casassovici, CEO of Azarus, said in a statement, “Joining forces with Animoca Brands amplifies our vision. We’re not just enhancing streaming; we’re pioneering a movement where every viewer becomes an active participant, and every creator can monetize their content. We’re excited to work with Animoca Brands to bring our technology to a wider audience and help shape the future of gaming”

In summary, Animoca Brands’ acquisition of Azarus aims to enhance the streaming capabilities within Web3 games and aligns with Animoca Brands’ broader goal of creating a player-owned economy. Azarus’ decentralized streaming platform allows users to stream gameplay and interact with viewers while utilizing blockchain-based tokens to facilitate rewards and incentives. The integration of Azarus into their streams incentivizes creators to broadcast across the metaverse, taking their fans along as they explore digital realms. The acquisition highlights the potential impact and value of Azarus within the Web3 gaming industry