Lava Labs

About Lava Labs

Lava Labs is a London-based blockchain gaming studio founded in 2019 by Kaya Tilev, who also serves as the company's CEO and Creative Director. The studio is developing its first title, "A Far Away Realm" (AFAR), a third-person, multiplayer arcade platformer that integrates blockchain technology. The company's mission is to create a fun-first ecosystem that introduces complex blockchain concepts to a broad gaming audience through accessible gameplay.

The core product, AFAR, pits 25 players against each other in four-minute, multi-round matches that combine obstacle courses with shooting challenges. It is designed to be a light-hearted, skill-based shooter with wacky physics, drawing inspiration from games like Mario Kart and Fall Guys. In addition to the main competitive mode, AFAR will feature cosmetic NFTs, allowing players to own their in-game items, and plans to incorporate virtual land sales in the form of NFTs. These plots of land can be used in a connected mini-game while the main title is in development. The business model includes the sale of these NFTs and other in-game virtual assets.

In March 2022, Lava Labs announced a $10 million Series A funding round, which brought the company's valuation to over $100 million. The round was led by Swiss investment firm Dialectic and included notable investors such as Animoca Brands, Dapper Labs, Dragonfly, and Merit Circle. The company has received backing and advice from Electronic Arts founder Trip Hawkins. The funds are allocated to the continued development of AFAR and team expansion.