Gunzilla Games has announced a significant $30 million in combined funding, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of blockchain-powered AAA gaming. This strategic investment includes a $10 million token round co-led by CoinFund and Avalanche’s Blizzard Fund, with additional participation from Republic Capital and Morningstar Ventures. The funding also encompasses previously unreported equity and validator sales, reinforcing strong confidence from top-tier investors in Gunzilla’s vision for the future of interactive entertainment.
This latest financial backing will directly support the public launch of Off The Grid, Gunzilla’s highly anticipated battle royale title, as well as fuel the expansion of GUNZ—a next-generation blockchain platform designed to revolutionize digital ownership in gaming.
👉 Discover how blockchain is reshaping the future of player-owned economies.
Introducing GUNZ: A Blockchain-Powered Gaming Ecosystem
At the heart of Gunzilla’s innovation is GUNZ, a custom-built blockchain platform launched in April 2023 as an Avalanche Subnet. GUNZ is engineered specifically for high-performance gaming, enabling fast transaction speeds and seamless gas fee management through its native utility token. The platform provides full transparency for both developers and players, ensuring trust and accountability across all in-game interactions.
GUNZ goes beyond a single game—it's a scalable ecosystem that empowers not only Gunzilla but also third-party AAA developers to integrate true digital asset ownership into their titles. With the GUNZ SDK, studios can easily deploy white-label tools such as:
- In-game NFT minting engines
- On-chain marketplaces
- Companion mobile applications
- Player wallet integration
This modular approach lowers the barrier to entry for traditional game developers looking to adopt blockchain technology without compromising gameplay quality or user experience.
"We're not just building a game—we're building an entire economy where players truly own what they earn," said Vlad Korolov, CEO and Co-Founder of Gunzilla Games. "With GUNZ, we’re setting a new standard for decentralization in AAA gaming."
Multiple external development teams are already in discussions with Gunzilla to leverage the GUNZ infrastructure ahead of Off The Grid's global, multi-platform release.
Off The Grid: Redefining the Battle Royale Genre
Set to launch on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, Off The Grid is poised to transform the battle royale landscape. The game delivers intense, squad-based combat within a richly detailed post-apocalyptic world shaped by cinematic storytelling under the creative direction of Neil Blomkamp, Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind District 9, Elysium, and Gran Turismo.
What sets Off The Grid apart is its fusion of narrative depth and player agency. The game features an evolving storyline projected to span over 60 hours of content across multiple seasons—an unprecedented level of narrative ambition in the genre. But beyond story and action, it introduces a groundbreaking player-driven economy where every weapon skin, vehicle, and collectible is a tradable NFT on the GUNZ marketplace.
Players gain real ownership of their in-game assets, allowing them to trade, sell, or use items across supported platforms—creating long-term value beyond gameplay.
👉 See how next-gen games are integrating real digital ownership.
Why Blockchain Integration Matters
The integration of blockchain into mainstream gaming addresses one of the industry’s most persistent frustrations: the lack of true ownership. Traditionally, players spend countless hours—and often real money—acquiring rare items, only to lose access when servers shut down or accounts are banned.
With Off The Grid, every item exists on-chain, giving players verifiable control. Even more impressively, Web3 elements like wallets and NFTs are embedded seamlessly into gameplay, meaning users don’t need prior blockchain knowledge to benefit.
Lydia Chiu, SVP of Business Development at Ava Labs and head of Blizzard, emphasized this design philosophy:
“Off The Grid dissolves complex Web3 friction into natural gameplay. Console gamers get the advantages of blockchain—like earning and trading assets—without even realizing they’re using it.”
This subtle onboarding approach could be key to mass adoption, bridging the gap between traditional gamers and blockchain-native experiences.
Market Momentum: The Rise of Blockchain Gaming
The timing of Gunzilla’s funding aligns with explosive growth in the blockchain gaming sector. According to Footprint Analytics, GameFi Daily Active Addresses surged by approximately 250% year-over-year between March 2023 and March 2024. Meanwhile, the Blockchain Gaming Alliance’s 2023 State of the Industry Report found that 76.2% of respondents view in-game asset ownership as a major driver for blockchain adoption in games.
Additionally, the battle royale genre remains one of the most popular in gaming, boasting over 700 million active players worldwide. By combining this massive audience with sustainable economic mechanics, Gunzilla positions Off The Grid at the forefront of a new era: player-centric gaming economies.
Evan Feng, Partner and Director of Research at CoinFund, shared his enthusiasm:
“We believe the gap between traditional and on-chain games is rapidly closing—and will soon invert. Developers who embrace blockchain aren’t just adding tech; they’re creating better games with deeper engagement, stronger retention, and broader monetization.”
FAQ: Your Questions About Gunzilla and GUNZ Answered
Q: What is GUNZ?
A: GUNZ is a blockchain platform built by Gunzilla Games on the Avalanche network. It enables true ownership of in-game assets through NFTs and supports a decentralized marketplace accessible via mobile apps and desktop.
Q: Is blockchain required to play Off The Grid?
A: No. While blockchain powers asset ownership behind the scenes, players do not need to manage wallets or understand crypto to enjoy the game. The system is designed for seamless integration.
Q: Can I trade my items from Off The Grid outside the game?
A: Yes. Items earned or purchased in Off The Grid are NFTs on the GUNZ blockchain, making them tradable on the official marketplace or compatible third-party platforms.
Q: What platforms will Off The Grid be available on?
A: The game will launch on PC (via Steam and Epic), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Q: How does GUNZ benefit other game developers?
A: Through the GUNZ SDK, developers can integrate NFT minting, marketplaces, companion apps, and wallet systems into their own games—accelerating development while ensuring scalability and security.
Q: When will Off The Grid be released?
A: An official release date has not yet been announced, but a 16-minute gameplay walkthrough featuring top streamers Dr Disrespect, Clix, and ImperialHal has already generated significant buzz ahead of launch.
Gunzilla Games’ $30 million funding round underscores growing institutional confidence in blockchain gaming’s potential. With powerful backing from CoinFund, Avalanche’s Blizzard Fund, and industry-leading creatives like Neil Blomkamp, Off The Grid isn’t just another entry in the battle royale genre—it’s a blueprint for the future of gaming.
As player expectations evolve toward ownership, transparency, and long-term value, platforms like GUNZ offer a sustainable model that benefits both developers and communities.
👉 Explore how leading games are adopting blockchain for true digital ownership.