This article was originally published on the Human Computer newsletter and is being shared here for the benefit of candidates that may want to learn more about how Alex and the team at Human Computer work.
Big news today. Human Computer just raised a seed round led by Makers Fund, with participation from other investors. This brings our total funding to $7.7m which will allow us to move faster, hire more incredible people, and take bigger risks.
Raising money for a new game studio in today's environment isn't easy. Our pitch stood out by focusing on several key differentiators: building a shared universe rather than isolated games, developing a viable model for new IP creation, focusing on a specific audience segment hungry for innovation, and approaching production with smaller teams and modern tools.
Building a shared universe of IP
Creating a connected universe where each game builds upon a shared world and characters. We're developing both larger adventures and experimental titles that contribute to this cohesive vision. Our debut game – which particularly excited our investors — will soon be announced and begin establishing the universe.
The most enduring entertainment franchises emerged during technological shifts (Disney with audio in film, Marvel with color printing). By developing new IP through games during today's next technology revolution, we're positioning ourselves to create lasting value. Traditional IP development is prohibitively expensive, but our approach leverages new tools, methods and community connection to fundamentally change these economics.
Multiple entry points into our universe means you can experience our stories through different games and media, with each reinforcing the others.
Community-first development
Building an entertainment company beyond just a game studio. We're investing heavily across mediums and community spaces. From books to platforms like Discord, we will be where people are to create direct relationships with our audience and maintain a vital feedback loop throughout and beyond development.
Fighting attention traps
Creating focused experiences that respect your time instead of designing addiction-based systems. We're optimizing for meaningful engagement rather than maximizing hours played or conversion to purchases.
Our games will have clear endpoints and satisfying conclusions. You can finish them and move on, having had a complete experience without dark patterns designed to trap your attention indefinitely.
New production methods
Using technology to augment creativity rather than replace it. We're building streamlined tools that let our teams work smarter, prototype faster, and focus on creating memorable experiences.
Expect higher quality, more innovative games delivered more frequently than traditional studios can manage. Our production methods mean we can take creative risks that others can't afford to.
Audience-focus
The wonderful The State of Video Gaming 2025 highlights that only 6.5% of playtime are new games. That is cut by half once you take out major franchises. We believe that this number will shift as more studios refocus their efforts on original and compelling games.
And, while this audience might only add up to a fraction of total playtime we are not competing with playtime, but play quality. We're creating distinctive, completable games with high production values but reasonable scope.
Making it real
Importantly, we had stuff to show. A game demo, trailer, production concepts for future projects, and we could talk about all of those in details. Seeing momentum helps people get a sense of your vision, even if it’s early.
Next steps
We’re working on building community of players, creators, and collaborators who believe games can be even better. This funding is our first step toward more intentional, creative game development. If you’re interested in what we’re doing visit our site and pick one of the many ways to follow us. We’re also hiring, so if you like what you hear reach out.
