Bazooka Tango Secures $5M Funding to Develop ‘Shardbound,’ a Tactical Collectible Card Game
Strategic Investment Fuels Immersive Multiplayer Experience
Bazooka Tango, a gaming studio founded by industry veterans from Rockstar and Riot Games, has successfully raised $5 million in a funding round led by BITKRAFT Ventures. This capital injection will accelerate the development of Shardbound, an innovative multiplayer game blending tactical combat, trading card mechanics (TCG), and digital collectibles.
The Minds Behind the Vision
Founded in 2019 by Bo Daly and Stephan Sherman (creators of Vainglory under Super Evil Megacorp), Bazooka Tango is breathing new life into Shardbound—a project originally initiated by Spiritwalk Games in 2015. Partnering with web3 publisher Immutable, the studio is introducing fresh gameplay elements to captivate modern gamers.
What Makes Shardbound Unique?
Imagine Hearthstone meets Final Fantasy Tactics—that’s Shardbound in a nutshell. Set on a floating fantasy island, players command armies using customizable decks to cast spells, summon minions, and outmaneuver opponents on hexagonal battlefields.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
- Dynamic Combat System: Commanders navigate terrain with high/low-ground advantages and environmental obstacles.
- Super Meter: Build momentum by trading damage to unleash devastating area attacks.
- Victory Points: An alternate win condition adds strategic depth—collect 10 points by targeting Victory Crystals.
- Resource Management: Start with 1 mana crystal (max 10) to play cards and activate abilities.
Meet the Commanders
Players choose from five distinct commander classes, each with unique abilities:
- Wayfinders: Defensive specialists with healing and shielding powers.
- Steelsingers: Tech-savvy destroyers wielding Chromia-fueled weaponry.
- Landshapers: Masters of earth and fire manipulation.
- Fatekeepers: Reality-bending entities controlling time and space.
- Bloodbinders: Sacrificial mages drawing power from allies’ vitality.
Early Success and Future Plans
Playtest Momentum
The closed beta attracted 1,000+ creators, including top streamers like @Kripparrian and @DansGaming. A Twitch showcase with Magic: The Gathering Arena veteran Chris Clay amassed 10,000 hours watched and 50,000+ pre-registrations.
Roadmap Highlights
- Public Beta: Launching late 2023 on PC (Steam/Epic).
- Full Release: Planned for 2024 across iOS, Android, and consoles.
- Live Service Model: Seasonal content, leaderboards, and expanded deck-building options.
Funding and Long-Term Vision
The investment round included RW3 Ventures, Sfermion, and Builder Capital. Beyond Shardbound, Bazooka Tango aims to:
- Grow its 12-person team.
- Develop three unannounced titles.
- Build cross-platform infrastructure for interconnected gaming experiences.
“We’re stitching these experiences into something greater than the sum of its parts,” said Daly, hinting at ambitious expansions.
With its hybrid gameplay and strategic depth, Shardbound is poised to carve a niche in the competitive TCG and tactical gaming markets.
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