Former CD Projekt Staff's Dark Passenger Secures $3m Funding

12/16/2024
Polish studio Dark Passenger, founded by former Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 developers, has achieved a significant funding milestone. This seed round, led by The Games Fund with investment from Blite Fund, will play a crucial role in the development of their debut project.

Unleashing the Potential of Multiplayer Stealth-Action

Development of Debut Project

The funding will be dedicated to the development of Dark Passenger's first-person multiplayer stealth-action game. Set in an original universe based on Feudal Japan, this game promises to offer a unique gaming experience. With a team currently around 30 members, the studio aims to expand to over 60 by the time the game launches. The team's diverse backgrounds, including former CD Projekt staff like co-founders Jakub Ben and Paweł Kuleta, as well as Marcin Michalski who served as senior environment artists on The Witcher 3, bring a wealth of expertise to the project.

Dark Passenger's CEO, Jakub Ben, emphasizes the excitement in the multiplayer landscape. "While it's more exciting than ever, we still see vast untapped potential. It takes imagination, trust, and vision to fully understand our direction, and these are the qualities we found in The Games Fund." This investment has not only expanded the team but also set the foundations for the project, allowing them to focus on production.

The Games Fund's co-founder and managing partner, Ilia Eremeev, shares his perspective. "There's a shortage of games that dare to take risks and deliver bold, unapologetic experiences, leaving players craving that 'Hell yeah!' factor. After seeing their early demo, we instantly recognized that Dark Passenger is set to deliver exactly that. The quality of the experience, given the team's size and development time, was astonishing. We immediately aligned with their vision: an exciting, undiluted power fantasy. We're thrilled to partner with these great founders on this adventure."

Expansion of the Team

The growth of the team is a key aspect of Dark Passenger's plans. With the additional funds, they can attract more talented individuals and enhance their capabilities. This expansion will enable them to bring the game to life with greater precision and creativity.

Having a larger team allows for more in-depth exploration of the game's mechanics and world. It provides the opportunity to create more immersive and engaging gameplay. The team's diverse skills and experiences will contribute to the development of a truly exceptional game.

As Dark Passenger moves forward, they are committed to delivering a game that stands out in the crowded multiplayer market. With the support of The Games Fund and their own dedicated team, they are well on their way to achieving their goals.