Thirdverse is a unique fusion of virtual reality, game development, and blockchain technology. The company is building a next-generation metaverse where users can not only play, but also own digital assets, create content, participate in the in-game economy, and engage in decentralized communities. The project’s strategy goes beyond releasing VR and Web3 products — it also includes active participation in blockchain infrastructure, partnerships with major IPs, and adaptability to the global market. This article explores all the key aspects of Thirdverse: its philosophy, products, strategy, risks, and long-term potential.
Table of Contents
- Vision, Team, and Philosophy
- Games and Key Products
- Blockchain Strategy and Partnerships
- Funding, Business Model, and Ecosystem
- Challenges and Future Outlook
- Conclusion
1. Vision, Team, and Philosophy
Thirdverse is a Japan-US-based studio founded to unite the worlds of gaming, virtual reality, and blockchain in one seamless digital space. The company's core concept is to build a “third space” — a digital universe where users not only interact but live: socializing, trading assets, engaging in economies, and participating in creative processes.
The team includes experienced executives and developers such as Hironao Kunimitsu (Founder & Chairman), Masaru Ohnogi (CEO), Satoshi Ban (CBO), and Takafumi Inagawa (CFO). These professionals previously held key positions at Sony, gaming startups, investment funds, and global Web3 initiatives. This blend of VR, Web3, and corporate expertise gives the project a strong foundation for global expansion.
Their mission is to build a scalable metaverse that integrates gameplay, digital ownership, and social interaction. In the long term, Thirdverse aims to go beyond games and develop its own infrastructure to support user-driven economies, DAO mechanics, and creator-owned content.
2. Games and Key Products
Thirdverse is actively releasing and developing both VR and Web3 titles, leveraging advanced technology and popular intellectual properties. Below are the core products and focus areas:
- Swords of Gargantua — a VR sword-fighting game with cooperative gameplay, released on Oculus and Steam.
- X8 — a competitive multiplayer VR shooter with unique heroes and tactical gameplay.
- Altair Breaker — a fast-paced VR action game featuring acrobatics, sword combat, and futuristic visuals.
- Captain Tsubasa: Rivals — a Web3 game based on the famous anime series, with NFT characters, PvP elements, and collectible mechanics.
Each game targets different audiences — from VR action enthusiasts to fans of NFTs and collectible experiences. This strategy allows Thirdverse to attract diverse user segments while experimenting with new engagement formats.
The games are designed for high-quality experiences, replayability, and multiplayer features. On the Web3 side, emphasis is placed on true digital ownership and the market value of in-game assets. The company also plans to expand its portfolio with more IP-based and original concepts in the near future.
3. Blockchain Strategy and Partnerships
Thirdverse is advancing its Web3 roadmap not only through content but also by actively participating in blockchain infrastructure. The project builds strategic alliances and has launched dedicated business entities. Below are the key components of its blockchain ecosystem:
| Component | Role and Description |
|---|---|
| Polygon Studios | Infrastructure partner for Web3 games and NFT deployment. |
| Oasys | A gaming-focused blockchain where Thirdverse acts as a validator, influencing ecosystem governance. |
| SWORD PTE. LTD. | Singapore-based subsidiary managing Web3 products and legal compliance. |
| Drecom, BLOCKSMITH | Partners for game co-development and IP integration, including anime franchises. |
Thirdverse is not just a content creator but also an infrastructure player — acting as validator, developer, and strategic partner. This allows the company to shape transaction costs, governance rules, asset standards, and the overall Web3 user experience. This deep involvement clearly distinguishes it from traditional gaming studios.
4. Funding, Business Model, and Ecosystem
In 2022, Thirdverse raised $15 million from MZ Web3 Fund, bringing its total funding to $33 million. These funds are being used to develop games, expand the team, and establish a self-sustaining ecosystem. The company is actively hiring developers, 3D artists, blockchain engineers, and cybersecurity experts.
Its monetization strategy covers three verticals: VR game sales, NFTs and in-game economies, and infrastructure revenues (validator rewards, marketplace fees, ecosystem stakes). This diversified model enables resilience across various market conditions.
Thirdverse is also exploring the Game-as-a-Platform approach, allowing users to become creators — designing, trading, investing, and participating in governance. This concept aligns with DAO principles and positions Thirdverse as a decentralized gaming ecosystem. It appeals especially to crypto-native audiences and supports long-term user retention.
5. Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its strong foundation, Thirdverse faces several risks. The VR market still struggles with high hardware costs and slow adoption rates. On the blockchain side, the Web3 gaming space is shaped by legal uncertainty, token volatility, and skepticism around NFTs.
Additionally, competition from other Web3 studios — especially in GameFi, DeFi gaming, and open metaverses — is intense. The key differentiators will be content quality, user experience, and sustainable in-game economies. A major challenge is onboarding traditional (Web2) users unfamiliar with blockchain technology.
However, the project’s strong team, meaningful partnerships, infrastructure involvement, and balanced focus on VR and Web3 give it a competitive edge. If Thirdverse continues to build with legal transparency, cross-platform functionality, and user-centric design, it is well-positioned to thrive at the intersection of gaming and the open metaverse.
6. Conclusion
Thirdverse is more than just a VR game studio — it is building a digital ecosystem where gaming, economy, blockchain, ownership, and communities come together. The company’s strategy spans content creation, ecosystem governance, high-profile partnerships, and deep infrastructure integration.
Despite inevitable challenges, the project is moving toward long-term growth and global relevance. With strong execution in UX, onboarding, stability, and value creation, Thirdverse could emerge as a flagship player in the new era of gaming. In a world where games are platforms and players are creators, such projects will define what Web3 gaming looks like in the years to come.
