In the latest episode of Equity, Rebecca Bellan speaks with Zander Brumbaugh, the 22-year-old founder of Gamebeast. Gamebeast provides Roblox developers with tools like A/B testing and LiveOps to make modifications to games without having to release a new version or interrupt the user’s gameplay.
Recently, Gamebeast secured a $3.7 million pre-seed funding round led by J2 Ventures, with participation from a16z’s Speedrun accelerator, where Brumbaugh completed the program in March. Brumbaugh’s experiences in consulting for entertainment studios like Netflix, writing a best-selling book on Roblox development, and discussions with investors have all pointed towards the future of gaming being in user-generated content (UGC).
Brumbaugh and Bellan dove into the growing popularity of UGC games, a sector that investors are focusing on for growth in the video game industry. Brumbaugh highlighted that a significant number of children under 16 requested virtual currency, such as Roblox’s Robux or Fortnite’s V-Bucks, during the last holiday season.
Most games, experiences, and virtual worlds on platforms like Roblox are user-generated, fostering creativity among players. Fortnite also offers a creative mode that allows players to build their own worlds, which has seen a rise in popularity.
Brumbaugh emphasized how platforms like Roblox make it easy for users to create content, leading many to turn their passion into a career. He discussed the impact of generative AI on the gaming industry and how it can streamline developers’ workflows.
Gamebeast attracted investment not only for its focus on UGC game development but also for its tech’s applications in multiple sectors, including commercial and defense. The trend of companies tapping into military funding for sustainability was also noted.
For more insights on the future of the video game market and investor perspectives, tune in to the podcast. Subscribe to Equity on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, and follow Equity on Twitter and Threads. You can access episode transcripts on Simplecast.
