Qloud Games, the independent studio based in Sydney, has announced securing $5 million in seed funding to develop Loftia, the first cozy solarpunk massively multiplayer online game (MMO). This funding round was led by BITKRAFT Ventures and GFR Fund, with contributions from Andreessen Horowitz, 1UP Fund, and Gaingels. The investment follows a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign, marking it as Australia’s most successful gaming crowdfunding effort.
Loftia aims to bring a new experience to the MMO genre by combining live service, cross-platform multiplayer, and community-driven development within a solarpunk setting. Players will collaborate to build eco-friendly cities, engage in sustainability projects, and participate in large-scale community quests. The game emphasizes environmental stewardship and cooperation, offering customization options for homes, outfits, gadgets, and pets inspired by solarpunk aesthetics.
The founders, Michael Su, Martina Qin, and Eric Mallon, have invested significantly in the project, using capital from a Canva ESOP and building a strong community of over 600,000 followers before the game’s launch. Loftia’s development is closely tied to player feedback, with the community actively shaping the game’s features and direction.
Loftia is positioned to fill a gap in the market for social, meaningful gameplay within the cozy gaming genre, traditionally dominated by single-player experiences. The game is set to launch with a robust community and support from major investors, aiming to create a welcoming environment for players seeking a relaxing and creative escape. Players can wishlist Loftia on Steam to be among the first to access the game during its Early Access phase.
