Fig acquires blockchain startup Ownage Ltd
UK company will help build the "Shard" decentralized publishing platform
Crowdfunding platform Fig has acquired UK-based blockchain company Ownage Ltd. Ownage will assist Fig in developing Shard, the company's upcoming decentralized publishing platform, separate from the Fig platform.
Ownage principals Alex Amsel and Jack Du Rose have joined Fig as a result of the deal, and additional funding has been provided by Neopets founder Adam Powell.
"Shard seeks to accomplish what we set out to do with Fig, center the publishing process around the people who are most passionate about the properties being created - the community," said Fig CEO Justin Bailey in a statement. "Shard will be offering a unique community-based approach to the funding, engagement, and cross-promotion of games."
Fig has already served as a successful funding platform for games such as Pillars of Eternity 2 and Psychonauts 2. Shard will be "owned" by its community, and developers will be able to publish on and use Shard even if they do not have a presence on Fig. However, Shard will be able to be integrated with Fig campaigns.
An unpublished Gary Gygax IP, previously announced for Fig, is planned to be one of the first uses of Shard.