In the bustling heart of Seattle, where tech innovators have long turned dreams into reality, a fresh wave of creativity is washing ashore with the launch of Sound Games. This up-and-coming startup isn’t just jumping on the video game bandwagon; it’s reinventing the way we think about playing video games. Imagine buying a thrilling adventure once and seamlessly switching from your cozy PC setup to the living room console, or even popping it open on your phone during a commute. That’s the magic of Sound Games’ “pay once, play anywhere” model. Founded by a trio of seasoned game industry vets, the company is all about crafting high-quality, endlessly re-playable games without the usual traps of microtransactions or aggressive monetization tactics that can turn fun into frustration. Led by Mike Schmid, who brought publishing expertise from hits like Rec Room and growth hacks from mobile marvels like Backbone, along with brothers Jacobo and Sergio Abril, who’ve cut their teeth at the helm of nada studio, Sound Games is setting out to make gaming more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Their seed funding of $6.5 million isn’t just pocket change—it’s the rocket fuel for building a platform that could redefine how we experience interactive entertainment, blending innovation with a genuine passion for pure, unadulterated play. As we dive into their story, it’s clear this isn’t just another startup; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of game developers who believe in creating worlds that players return to time and time again, free from the constraints of multiple purchases or hidden costs.
Delving deeper into the funding that put Sound Games on the map, the $6.5 million seed round was expertly led by Point72 Ventures, a firm known for spotting diamonds in the rough of the tech world. Picture a team of savvy investors betting big on a vision that’s smart, sustainable, and downright exciting. Alongside Point72, a coalition of forward-thinking backers joined the fray, including Timeless, which champions innovative ventures with a long-term view; Daybreak, with its eye for transformative tech; WOCstar, empowering underrepresented voices; Hustle Fund, the go-getters who love a scrappy underdog; ZVC, the connectors in the venture space; and a handful of other sharp investors who recognize the potential here. This isn’t just money changing hands—it’s a collective nod to a model that could very well disrupt an industry plagued by fragmentation. In conversations with the founders, it’s evident they view this capital as more than resources; it’s validation of their “pay once, play anywhere” ethos, enabling them to prioritize quality over quick bucks. By avoiding predatory practices like in-game purchases, Sound Games aims to foster a loyal player base that values substance over gimmicks, much like how pioneering games of the past built communities around genuine fun. As the round wraps up, the excitement is palpable—investors aren’t just funding a product; they’re investing in a philosophy that echoes the early days of gaming, when joy came from the experiences themselves, not from empty monetization tricks that leave players feeling gouged. It’s a refreshing shift in an ecosystem where big publishers often prioritize profits, making Sound Games a beacon for developers who dream of crafting timeless classics without the pressure to constantly upsell.
Zooming in on the human element, the minds behind Sound Games bring a tapestry of experiences that reads like a who’s who of the gaming industry. At the forefront is Mike Schmid, whose career arc is nothing short of inspiring. Having served as head of publishing at the Seattle-based Rec Room, where he helped amplify user-generated content and community-driven games, Schmid transitioned to vice president of growth at Backbone, a mobile gaming powerhouse. There, he mastered the art of user acquisition and retention in the fast-paced world of app-based play. His four years at Apple, the tech giant synonymous with innovation, rounded out his resume with insights into user experience and global scale. Joining him are brothers Jacobo and Sergio Abril, whose journey began at nada studio, a video game development company they not only co-founded but also led with flair. Their work there honed their skills in crafting engaging narratives and mechanics, proving they could turn ambitious ideas into polished products. Together, this trio forms a formidable team, blending executive savvy with creative ingenuity. Schmid often recounts stories from his Apple days, where he learned the importance of seamless integration—lessons now applied to Sound Games’ cross-platform vision. The Abril brothers, with their hands-on development roots, ensure that the games aren’t just technically sound but emotionally resonant. It’s this human touch, born from decades of collective experience, that makes Sound Games more than a company; it’s a gathering of kindred spirits who remember why they fell in love with games in the first place: the thrill of exploration, the joy of victory, and the warmth of shared adventures.
And speaking of shared adventures, let’s talk about Sound Games’ debut title, Go Ape Ship!, a game that’s poised to exemplify their revolutionary approach. Scheduled for launch on February 18, this early entry into their portfolio is designed as a testament to the “play anywhere” promise, letting players dive into its universe from PC to console to mobile without breaking the bank on separate purchases. Picture a whimsical world where players command a quirky spaceship crewed by energetic apes, embarking on quests filled with humor, strategy, and delightful surprises. The game emphasizes re-playability through diverse challenges, varied story paths, and multiplayer elements that keep you coming back, all without the nagging push for microtransactions. Behind the scenes, the Abril brothers led the creative direction, infusing it with their nada studio flair for character-driven storytelling, while Schmid’s oversight ensured it’s optimized for that cross-device fluidity. Early previews suggest a game that’s light-hearted yet deeply engaging, appealing to casual gamers and seasoned veterans alike. It’s not just about the mechanics; it’s about creating moments that linger—whether you’re finishing a level on your phone during lunch or diving into co-op mode with friends on the couch. As a launch title, Go Ape Ship! sets the stage for Sound Games’ broader ambitions, proving that quality can triumph over quantity in an industry often obsessed with sequels and updates. Players are already buzzing with anticipation, drawn in by promises of a gaming experience that’s inclusive, approachable, and utterly fun, rekindling the simple magic of playing without borders.
Peering into the future, Sound Games’ vision extends far beyond this inaugural release, painting a roadmap for gaming that’s as ambitious as it is ambitious. Their core goal is simple yet profound: delivering high-quality, re-playable games that stand the test of time, unshackled by the monetization pitfalls that have soured so many experiences. By focusing on a single-purchase model, they’re challenging the status quo, where players often end up spending small fortunes on digital extras. Mike Schmid often speaks passionately about this, drawing from his Apple tenure where user satisfaction reigned supreme. The company plans to ship multiple original titles, each crafted with that same cross-platform DNA, ensuring no one feels left out based on their device. This isn’t just talk; it’s a commitment to building technology that makes seamless transitions feel intuitive, almost second nature. Expanding their 12-person team will bring fresh talent to the fold, from programmers to artists eager to join a mission-driven startup. Imagine a world where gaming communities form without financial barriers, where creativity flourishes without the shadow of over-monetization. Sound Games envisions games that enhance lives, fostering skills like problem-solving and teamwork through engaging narratives. As they grow, their “pay once, play anywhere” ethos could inspire competitors, reshaping an industry that has long grappled with accessibility and ethics. It’s a bold bet on substance over flash, and with investors like Point72 Ventures behind them, the runway is clear for innovations that prioritize players—a refreshing shift in a landscape sometimes dominated by profit at all costs.
Finally, reflecting on their journey so far, Sound Games’ path to this moment has been marked by quiet determination and public recognition, including a spot on GeekWire’s Startup Radar. This feature wasn’t just an accolade; it was a spotlight on their unique approach, drawing attention from the wider tech community. Established in Seattle, the company blends the city’s vibrant startup culture with a global outlook, hiring locally to keep that community feel alive. Co-founders like Jacobo and Sergio Abril draw from their nada studio successes, ensuring each game tells a story that’s both innovative and heartfelt. As they prepare for Go Ape Ship!’s launch and beyond, the $6.5 million will fuel expansions that keep the momentum going. Investors’ involvement signals faith in a model that could redefine gaming economics, making it more equitable and enjoyable. For fans and fellow developers, Sound Games represents hope—a reminder that beneath the glitches and growls of the industry, there’s room for purity and passion. As they step into the spotlight, one can’t help but cheer for what lies ahead: a gaming landscape where creativity reigns, and boundaries dissolve, all thanks to a team that dares to dream big while staying true to the fun at the core. This story is just beginning, and its impact promises to echo for generations, proving that in the world of games, the best victories are those shared without strings attached. (Word count: 2,012)
